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Sergeant W. P. Gault, Company F, 78th 0. V. I. 

(Secretary of the committee.) r» x^ t 

E Z. Hays, Captain, Company K, 32d 0. V. I. Major Chas. Hipp, 37th O. V. I. 

Josiah B. Allen, Late Sergeant, Company C, 30th O. V. I. 

(President of the committee.) 

General Wm. H. Raynor, Late Colonel, Colonel James Kilbourne, Brevet 

56th 0. V. I. Colonel, 95th O. V. 1. 



OHIO 



AT 



VICKSBURG 



REPORT OF THE OHIO VICKSBURG 
BATTLEFIELD COMMISSION 



BY 

W. p. GAULT 

LATE SERGT. CO. F, 78th O. V. \. 
SECRETARY TO THE COMMISSION 



J 



5 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 

Two Copies Received 

NOV 17 1906 

•-, Copyritrht Entry 
CLASS A >^Xc-i No. 
COPY B. 



COPYRIGHT 1906 

BY 

W. p. GAULT 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Letter transmitting report of the Ohio Vicksburg Battlefield Commission to 

the Governor 1 

Condensed history of the capture of Vicksburg, Mississippi, from November 

28, 1862, until July 4, 1863 3 

General summary of casualties in the Union Army from March 29 until July 

4, 1863 29 

General summary of casualties in the Confederate Army from March 29 to 

July 4, 1863.' 30 

Union troops by States participating in campaign and siege 30 

Confederate troops by States participating in campaign and siege 32 

Historical records of Ohio troops participating in campaign and siege by 

regiments and batteries 34-297 

Vicksburg National Military Park 298 

Appointment of Ohio Vicksburg Battlefield Commission 302 

Preliminary work of the Commission, including purchase of monuments 310 

Dedication of Ohio monuments on Vicksburg National Military Park 319 

Financial statement of the Commission 329 



Columbus, Ohio, May 22, 1906 
To the Governor of Ohio: — 
Sir: 
The Ohio Vicksburg Battlefield Commission, appointed 
by the late Governor George K. Nash, under and by authority 
of an act as passed April 16, 1900, by the General Assembly of 
Ohio, and a supplementary act passed April 15, 1902, to locate 
the positions occupied by the several Ohio commands on or 
near the investment line during the siege of Vicksburg, and to 
mark such locations with suitable monuments and assault 
markers, has the honor to file this, their fifth and final report. 
Respectfully submitted, 

J. B. Allen, President, 
W. P. Gault, Secretary, 
Charles Hipp, 
E. Z. Hays, 
James Kilbourne, 
William H. Raynor, 



Co 



mmissioners 



The Vicksburg Campaign 



F 



The Vicksburg Campaign* 

ROM the inception of the rebelHon the unobstructed 
navigation of the Mississippi river was considered of the 
first importance. With the army and navy of the Union con- 
trolHng that great natural highway, the Confederacy would 
be cut in two, its forces divided, its vast storehouse to the west 
practically closed, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas rendered 
almost valueless as recruiting grounds, all of which would be 
a serious blow to the Confederacy, while the advantages 
crained for the cause of the Union would be of inestimable 
value. At a great number of points along its banks, bases 
could be established, supplied and maintained at a minimum 
hazard, from which, as well as by its many navigable, con- 
fluent streams, the very heart of the rebellious territory could 
be brought under control. On the banks of the Mississippi 
were a number of strategic points, which, when fortified and 
well defended, effectually closed the navigation of that stream. 
By the winter of 1862 and 1863, all such points had fallen 
into our hands excepting Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and Grand 
Gulf. Of these, for several reasons, Vicksburg was the most 
important and the most difficult of approach. The abrupt 
and broken bluffs upon which it stands, the low bottoms of the 
Yazoo river on the north, with its chain of lakelets, bayous and 
swamps, its almost impenetrable growth of forests, reinforced 
with cane brakes, brush and vines, and the several roads and 
pathways that led up to the bluffs and high ground which were 
heavily fortified against any and all attacks, rendered an 
assault from the north or front exceedingly hazardous. Such 
being the conditions north of the city. Grand Gulf and Port 
Hudson defended it equally as well from the south. 

Just how free and safe navigation on the Mississippi 
river could be established from Vicksburg south, was a problem 
that had commanded the most careful thought of our greatest 
generals. During the fall and winter of 1862, General Grant 
thought it possible to capture Vicksburg by advancing from 



4 ' Ohio at Vicksburg 

Tennessee and northern Mississippi on Jackson, its Capital, 
which move, if successful, would cut oft communication with 
Vicksburg, and compel its evacuation, or the possible capture 
of its defenders. 

Apparently with the intention of carrying out this plan of 
campaign. General Grant, November 24, 1862, advanced 
south from Grand Junction, Tennessee, along the line of the 
Mississippi Central Railroad. The Confederate General, 
J. C. Pemberton, was at that time holding Holly Springs, and 
the Tallahatchie river. Meeting with but little opposition 
from the enemy. General Grant continued to move south by 
easy stages until December 5, at which date the advance of his 
army had reached Oxford, Mississippi, about 54 miles south 
from Grand Junction. General Sherman, with three divisions 
from Memphis, joined Grant's forces at this point, thereby 
increasing the numerical strength of General Grant's army 
to about 45,000 effectives. 

Pemberton confronted him with an army of perhaps 
30,000 or 35,000. When Grant reached Oxford he estab- 
lished his immediate base of supplies at Holly Springs, 
with his primary base at Columbus, Ky., about 180 miles 
north. Realizing his inability to guard so long a line of coni- 
munication, and in view of his intended advance to Grenada, 
and possibly beyond. General Grant saw the importance of 
establishing a new base either at Grenada or Memphis, and 
abandoning his old base at Columbus, Ky. After considerable 
correspondence with General Halleck, General-in-chief of the 
armies, with reference to the management of the campaign. 
Grant received a dispatch from that officer, dated December 12, 
authorizing him to move his troops as he (Grant) might deem 
best to accomplish the great object in view. 

Immediately on the receipt of this dispatch General 
Grant sent a communication to General Sherman at College 
Hill, about 10 miles north from Oxford, to report at his head- 
quarters the same evening for a conference on the existing 
conditions of the army, and to devise the best plan looking to 
the capture of Vicksburg. General Sherman immediately 
responded. During that conference two plans had chief con- 
sideration. One was to continue advancing in full force as 
far south as Jackson, Mississippi, and threaten Vicksburg 
from that point. The other, and the plan adopted, was for 



The Vicksburg Campaign 5 

General Sherman to return to Memphis, taking with him one 
division of his command, hastily organize all the troops in 
and around that city, and move down the Mississippi river to 
the vicinity of Vicksburg, and proceed to the reduction of that 
city in such manner as circumstances and his best judgment 
might dictate. While General Sherman was making that 
move, General Grant was to hold General Pemberton on the 
Yallabusha river, north of Grenada, to prevent him reinforcing 
the defenses at Vicksburg. But in case he should get away. 
General Grant was to follow him to Vicksburg, and there unite 
his forces with General Sherman's, and proceed to capture, not 
only that city, but Pemberton's army as well. In pursuance of 
this plan of campaign, General Sherman immediately returned 
to Memphis, hastily organized his forces, and on December 20, 
weighed anchor, and started with a fleet of 20,000 officers and 
men for the vicinity of Vicksburg. On the way down the river 
he was reinforced with 12,000 officers and men, under command 
of General Frederick Steele, at Helena, Arkansas, which in- 
creased General Sherman's numerical strength in officers and 
men to about 32,000. Accompanying this magnificent army, 
under command of General Sherman, was the entire gunboat 
fleet of Admiral Porter. The combined fleet of transports 
and gunboats, after weighing anchor at Memphis, made a 
most impressive display. 

Unfortunately for the success of the prearranged cam- 
paign as agreed upon at Oxford, December 8, the Confederate 
General, Van Dorn, with a cavalry force appeared at Holly 
Springs, General Grant's secondary base of supplies, and 
demanded its surrender. The Commandant of the garrison, 
Colonel Robert C. Murphy, of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry, 
with scarcely any show of resistance, acceded to the demand by 
making a disgraceful and cowardly surrender of the garrison, 
consisting of 1,500 officers and men, all of General Grant's 
munitions of war, food and forage valued at ;$ 1,500, 000. True, 
Colonel Murphy was dismissed from the service, but the 
damage was done, all General Grant's plans frustrated, his 
communications cut, and a retreat of 80 miles to Grand Junc- 
tion was deemed necessary. 

General Sherman, uninformed of the disaster at Holly 
Springs, "having left Memphis with his fleet the same day that 
the surrender of Holly Springs took place," continued down 



6 Ohio at Vicksburg 

the Mississippi river to the mouth of the Yazoo and up that 
stream a few miles, landing his forces at Johnston's plantation, 
in front of Walnut Hills, which was held and strongly fortified 
by the enemy. December 27 and 28 were spent in reconnoiter- 
ing, with some slight skirmishes. The outlook from Sherman's 
standpoint was unpromising, owing to the impassable and 
unbridged bayous and precipitous bluflFs on which the enemy 
was well fortified- But believing that Pemberton was yet on 
the Yallabusha river in northern Mississippi with all his 
forces, or, if he had come to the defense of Vicksburg, that 
General Grant was in close pursuit, ready to cooperate with 
General Sherman in accordance with the prearranged plan of 
campaign. General Sherman on the morning of December 29 
moved to the attack against Walnut Hills with all the force 
that could be brought into action, which was not more than 
one-fourth of his command. General Sherman estimated the 
enemies' forces between Vicksburg and Haines' Bluff at 
15,000, commanded by the Confederate Generals, Martin 
Luther Smith and Stephen D. Lee. The battle continued 
during the entire day until darkness put a stop to the slaughter. 
General Sherman intended to again attack early on the morn- 
ing of the 30th, but satisfying himself that a renewal of the 
attack would only result in useless loss of life, he decided to 
withdraw to his transports on the Yazoo, which he succeeded 
in doing during the night of January i, 1863, and on the 
morning of January 2, the entire fleet steamed down the Yazoo 
and up the Mississippi river to Milliken's Bend. The result 
of the battle was disastrous to General Sherman's forces, 
despite the most determined and persistent fighting, but no 
blame could be attached to General Sherman, from the fact 
that he only performed his part of the Oxford agreement 
made December 8, 1862, between him and General Grant. 
On General Sherman's arrival at the mouth of the Yazoo he 
was met by General John A. McClernand (who was sent to 
assume command of the forces operating against Vicksburg), 
who informed him of the Holly Springs disaster and General 
Grant's withdrawal to Lagrange and Memphis. Had that 
information reached Sherman prior to the attack on December 
29, the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, or Walnut Hills, would 
never have been fought, and many valuable lives been saved. 
With the close of this battle, and General Sherman's with- 



The Vicksburg Campaign 7 

drawal to Milliken's Bend, the first or initial campaign under 
General Grant against Vicksburg closed. 

General Sherman, on turning over the command to 
General McClernand, suggested an attack on Arkansas Post, 
located on the Arkansas river, about 40 miles above the mouth. 
After considerable talking, and a conference with Admiral 
Porter, McClernand acceded to the request of General Sherman, 
and issued orders to the commanders of the 13th and 15th 
Corps, not to disembark at Milliken's Bend, but to move 
against Fort Hindman (Arkansas Post), reaching the fort the 
evening of the 9th. Early the next morning, January 10, the 
two corps disembarked, and, forming line, advanced to the 
attack, dislodging the enemy from their advanced line and 
forcing them back to the fort. Early on the morning of the 
nth, the attack was renewed, assisted by three gunboats 
under command of Admiral Porter. After some severe fight- 
ing by the Union troops, the fort was forced to an unconditional 
surrender, when 4,691 Confederates stacked arms and became 
prisoners of war. 

December 22, 1862, General Grant reorganized his com- 
mand, and divided it into four army corps, commanded, 
respectively, 13th Corps, Major-General John A. McClernand, 
commanding; 15th Corps, Major-General William T. Sherman, 
commanding; i6th Corps, Major-General Stephen A. Hurl- 
burt, commanding; and 17th Corps, Major-General James B. 
McPherson, commanding. 

On January 10, the work on the road from Holly Springs 
to Grand Junction, and thence to Memphis, being completed. 
General Grant moved his headquarters to the latter place. 
About this same date the distrust by the more prominent 
oflicers of the army in the ability of General McClernand to 
successfully command the forces operating against Vicksburg 
induced General Grant to take immediate and personal com- 
mand of the Union forces operating against that city. By 
General Order No. 13, dated January 30, 1863, he assumed 
command of the expeditionary forces then operating against 
the city of Vicksburg, and ordered the 13th Corps, General 
McClernand commanding, to garrison the post at Helena, 
Arkansas, and any other point along the west bank of the 
Mississippi river he might deem necessary, with part ot his 
command, and the remainder of his corps was ordered to 



8 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Young's Point. The 15th Corps, General Sherman com- 
manding, he ordered to rendezvous at, or near, Young's Point, 
La.; the 17th Corps, General McPherson commanding, was 
ordered to rendezvous at .Memphis, and the i6th Corps, 
General Hurlburt commanding, veas stationed at various points 
in v^est Tennessee and northern Mississippi. 

Remembering that Vicksburg v^as vulnerable from the 
east only, the problem General Grant had to consider w^as 
how to get his army across the river, and in rear of the city. 
The next two months (February and March) of 1863 will never 
be forgotten by the army under command of General Grant, 
by reason of the untold exposures to the inclement weather, 
and fatiguing work on the various bayou and canal schemes 
which Grant resorted to in the effort to land his army on high 
ground east of the city of Vicksburg. About January 20, 1863, 
the first attempt was made to land the army below the batteries 
defending Vicksburg by digging what was generally known as 
Grant's Canal. It was located some distance below the city, 
and was to be dug across a peninsula, so that the transports 
coming from the north could pass through it to the river below, 
thus avoiding the fire of the enemy's river batteries defending 
the city. Soon after the work on the canal was commenced, 
the 17th Corps, General McPherson commanding, was ordered 
from Memphis to Lake Providence, and put to work cleaning 
out Bayous Baxter and Macon, to a sufl&cient depth to enable 
transports to pass through them into the Tensas, Washita, 
and Red rivers to the Mississippi river below the city. The 
Yazoo pass expedition, as well as the Deer Creek, Rolling 
Fork, and the Sunflower to the Yazoo, about 10 miles above 
Haines' Bluff, and likewise Grant's canal, having failed in 
accomplishing the object desired, was abandoned about March 
27. General Grant determined to try another bayou route. 
At Milliken's Bend, and also at Young's Point, bayous rise, 
which, connecting with other bayous passing Richmond, La., 
empty into the Mississippi river at New Carthage, some 25 
miles above Grand Gulf. General Grant determined to open 
those bayous if possible, which, if successful, would provide a 
safe route for his transports and enable him to move his army 
and supplies to high ground east of the city. This maneuver 
having also proved unsuccessful. General Grant now deter- 
mined to attempt to put into execution his long-cherished and 



The Vicksburg Campaign 9 

bold move, which if successful would place his army on high 
ground to the south and east of the city. The success of this 
move required the active cooperation of the navy. Accord- 
ingly, he sent for Admiral Porter, commandant of the navy, 
to come to his headquarters, and to him he unfolded his master- 
ly, and bold move. The Admiral was enthused by the bold, 
novel, and masterly strategy presented for his consideration, 
and unhesitatingly promised all the assistance in his power 
to insure success. 

For 14 miles heavy guns on the works defending Vicks- 
burg commanded the river that washed the base of her bluffs! 
These, the Confederates believed, effectually precluded the 
passage of any unarmored vessel. 

While General Grant was not pubHshing his plans to the 
world, yet he was quietly concentrating his forces at MiUiken's 
Bend, preparatory to striking a fatal blow that would not only 
place Vicksburg in his possession, but also would completely 
annihilate the Confederate Army, commanded by General 
Pemberton. In brief, General Grant's plan of campaign, as 
decided upon, was, first, to run the blockade, 14 miles in 
length, with the navy and several transports, having lashed to 
both sides of them, barges loaded with coal, ammunition, and 
supplies. As soon as the gunboats and transports were safely 
past the Vicksburg batteries, he was to march his army down 
the west bank of the river to the most convenient place of cross- 
ing, and there the transports would be in waiting to transfer 
his army across the river from Louisiana to the Mississippi side, 
and on high ground east of Vicksburg. 

On the night of April 16 Admiral Porter was ready to 
start on his perilous trip of 14 miles past the Vicksburg batteries. 
The flagship Benton, Admiral Porter commanding, leading 
the squadron, started at 10 o'clock in the evening, followed at 
intervals by the Lafayette with the Price lashed to her side; 
then came the naval vessels Louisville, Mound City, Pitts- 
burg, and Carondelet, and following closely in their wake 
were the transports Forest Queen, Silver Wave, and Henry 
Clay, each loaded with coal for the use of the fleet when below 
the city, and last came the gunboat Tuscumbia. The only 
serious loss was to the Henry Clay; she was disabled, and her 
crew was forced to abandon her. All in all, this very hazardous 
enterprise proved so eminently satisfactory, that General 



10 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Grant says in his Memoirs: "As these boats succeeded in getting 
by so well, I ordered six more to be prepared in Hke manner 
and loaded with supplies." On the night of April 22 these 
vessels made the attempt to run by the Vicksburg batteries, 
and five of them succeeded, but one, the Tigress, was sunk on 
the Louisiana shore after passing the last battery. Each of 
these transports had in tow two barges, also loaded with 
supplies and subsistence for the army when below the city. 
Two of this last fleet were commanded by their own officers, 
and one of them manned by its regular crew. The places of 
the other officers and crews were supplied by volunteers from 
Logan's Division, 17th Corps. Again quoting from Grant's 
Memoirs, that distinguished officer writes: "When it was 
first proposed to run the blockade at Vicksburg with river 
steamers there were but two captains or masters who were 
willing to accompany their vessels, and but one crew. Volun- 
teers were called for from the army, men who had experience in 
any capacity in navigating the western rivers. Captains, 
pilots, mates, engineers, and deckhands enough presented 
themselves to take five times the number of vessels. I proposed 
to move through this very dangerous ordeal. All but two of 
the steamers were commanded by volunteers from the army, 
and all but one was so manned. In this instance, as in all 
others during the war, I found that volunteers could be found 
in the ranks and among the commissioned officers to meet every 
call for aid whether mechanical or professional." 

General Grant, having the utmost confidence in Admiral 
Porter's ability to successfully run the blockade defending 
the city with his gunboats and transports, had begun at an 
earlier date to put his army in motion to march them down the 
west bank of the river to some suitable place of crossing. 
Under Order No. 13, dated March 29, 1863, the advance of 
General McClernand's 13th Corps started from Milliken's 
Bend, La., by way of Richmond, La., to New Carthage, 
hoping that he might continue his advance as far south as 
Grand Gulf, and capture that place before the balance of the 
troops could get there. April 6 Osterhaus' division, 13th 
Corps, occupied New Carthage, where Carr's and Smith's 
divisions of the same corps came up, and camped on the 17th. 
The remaining division, 13th Corps, "Hovey" commanding, 
was ordered to continue their advance farther south to Per- 



The Vicksburg Campaign ii 

kins. Soon after the arrival of Osterhaus' division at New 
Carthage, orders were issued to the corps for a farther advance 
south to Hard Times Landing, located some three miles above 
the Gulf. 

General McPherson's 17th Corps remained at Lake 
Providence until April 18, when, by orders from General 
Grant, the corps embarked and moved to Milliken's Bend, 
with orders to follow closely the rear of the 13th Corps to Hard 
Times Landing. 

And now Grant's army was on the road which later proved 
to be the march to one of the greatest victories of the Civil War. 
By evening of April 27 General McClernand's Corps had 
reached Hard Times Landing across the river from Grand 
Gulf, and General McPherson was following closely. General 
Grant having determined to effect a landing on the east, or 
Mississippi side of the river as soon as possible, decided to 
make the attempt to dislodge the enemy occupying Grand 
Gulf, and land his army at that point. Accordingly, on the 
morning of the 29th General McClernand was ordered to 
embark all the troops from his corps that the transports and 
barges could carry, and if the navy under command of Admiral 
Porter succeeded in silencing the batteries defending Grand 
Gulf, to have as many men as possible ready to debark under 
cover of the guns of the navy and carry the works by storm. 
In anticipation of Admiral Porter being able to silence the 
enemy's batteries defending the Gulf, and General McClernand 
landing his troops for the assault. General Grant, on the 
morning of April 27, sent an order to General Sherman at 
Young's Point to send one division up to Haines' Bluff, and 
make a strong diversion by threatening an attack at that point. 
The object of this diversion was to compel General Pemberton 
to keep his forces at Vicksburg instead of sending them to 
reinforce General Bowen at Grand Gulf. General Sherman 
selected Blair's Division to make the diversion, and they did it 
successfully, and, as was later learned, the diversion created 
great confusion about Vicksburg. Notwithstanding the suc- 
cessful diversion, the navy failed to silence the batteries at the 
Gulf, and the troops of the 13th Corps again disembarked the 
evening of the same day, and took up their line of march, 
stopping at DeShroon's, Louisiana, six miles above Bruinsburg, 
where the 13th Corps, and one division of the 17th Corps 



12 Ohio at'Vicksburg 

embarked and were transferred down and across the river to 
Bruinsburg, Miss., where they were landed by noon of 
April 30. The march from Milliken's Bend to this point, 
which had consumed just one month, had been unusually 
toilsome; a continual drag through (not over) tenacious mud 
roads or rather paths, swollen streams and bayous bank full, 
w^as the task allotted the officers and men each day of the 
arduous march. After landing at Bruinsburg, General Mc- 
Clernand's Corps halted only long enough to draw two days' 
rations and ammunition when they started inland for Port 
Gibson. Before sunset their advance had gained the bluffs, 
closely followed by the First and Third Brigades of Logan's 
Division, 17th Corps. This force continued to advance until 
the pickets of the enemy were encountered near Thompson's 
Hill, about five miles from Port Gibson. General Bowen, on 
learning that General Grant had effected a landing at Bruins- 
burg, immediately evacuated Grand Gulf, marching in the 
direction of Port Gibson, with the hope of intercepting and 
holding in check General Grant's forces until reinforcements 
from Vicksburg under General Loring could reach him. As 
soon as General McCiernand encountered General Bowen's 
pickets he formed line of battle, and indulged in some slight 
skirmishing during the night, but at no time did it rise to the 
dignity of battle. Early next morning, May i. General Mc- 
Clernand's four divisions advanced and were soon hotly 
engaged. Hovey's Division on the right was successful in 
forcing the enemy back. On the left Osterhaus' Division was 
not so successful, having met repulse with some loss. About 
noon General Grant arrived on the field and seeing the situation 
he at once ordered up the two brigades of Logan's Division. 
Logan's First Brigade he sent to the left of Osterhaus, with 
instructions to assist Osterhaus in turning the enemy's right 
flank, and Logan's Third Brigade he sent to reinforce McCler- 
nand's right. As soon as the First Brigade was in position, Oster- 
haus successfully renewed his attack, and soon the enemy's right 
was in full retreat, followed before sunset by General Bowen's 
left. General Grant's forces pursued the retreating enemy to 
within about two miles of Port Gibson, when, darkness coming 
on, they went into bivouac. General Bowen, realizing his 
defeat, retreated across Bayou Pierre and burned the bridge. 
At an early hour the next morning the command was put 



The Vicksburg Campaign ' 13 

in motion. The First and Second Brigades of Logan's Division 
entering Port Gibson about 9 a. m. The town had been 
evacuated by the enemy during the night, and the suspension 
bridge across the south fork of Bayou Pierre burned. While 
waiting for the bridge to be rebuilt the First and Second Bri- 
gades of Logan's Division marched up the west side of Bayou 
Pierre about four miles to a ford which they crossed and 
marched down the east side until they reached the main Vicks- 
burg road. Here they rejoined their division, and with Crocker's 
Division, 17th Corps, in advance marched eight miles to the 
north fork of Bayou Pierre, where they found the fine sus- 
pension bridge partially destroyed. The bridge was repaired 
during the night. At daylight the next morning Logan's 
Division in advance crossed the bridge, and when near Willow 
Springs found the enemy advantageously posted on a command- 
ing ridge, and opened fire on our advancing column with ar- 
tillery. The two divisions of General Crocker and General 
Logan were formed in line, and soon the enemy fell back 
towards Hankinson's Ferry. At this point Logan's Division was 
directed to advance on the Grand Gulf road, and General 
Crocker to pursue the enemy. The latter division had pro- 
ceeded but a short distance before they became engaged with the 
enemy's skirmishers. The skirmishing was kept up with more or 
less activity until about 4 p. m., when the appearance of Logan's 
Division on the enemy's right flank caused them to beat a 
hasty retreat to the ferry, followed closely by the Second 
Brigade of Logan's Division, who reached the ferry just in 
time to save the bridge, and capture some tools. On the 
morning of the 4th the enemy opened an artillery fire on the 
Second Brigade of Logan's Division, but soon was silenced by 
a few well directed shots from the batteries of DeGolyer, Rogers 
and Williams, which dismounted one gun and killed two men. 
In the meantime, the 13th Corps had advanced on the 3rd to 
Willow Springs, on the 6th to Rocky Springs, on the 8th to 
Little Sandy, and on the 9th to Big Sandy. The 17th Corps 
remained at Hankinson's Ferry on the Big Black river from 
the 4th until the morning of the 7th, when they marched to 
Rocky Springs, remaining there during the 8th, and on the 9th 
marched toward Raymond, via Utica, and encamped at Utica 
Crossroads. While the 13th and 17th Corps were on the 
march, the 15th Corps, General Sherman commanding, was 



14 Ohio at Vicksburg 

not idle. The morning of May i, Steele's Division and 
Tuttle's Division started for Grand Gulf. The former starting 
from Milliken's Bend, and the latter from Duckport. General 
Blair's Division remained at Milliken's Bend until troops from 
Memphis arrived to relieve them. Steele's and Tuttle's Divi- 
sions reached Grand Gulf about noon of May 6, marching 63 
miles in five days over roads almost impassable. On May 8, 
General Sherman advanced with his two divisions to Hankin- 
son's Ferry, and on the loth marched to Big Sandy. May 6, 
General Blair's Division, 15th Corps, being relieved by troops 
from Memphis, left Milliken's Bend (except Ewing's Brigade) 
for Grand Gulf, reaching that place about noon of May 10. 
Early the morning of May 10, General McPherson's Corps 
marched for Utica. 

May II, General McPherson advanced about five miles on 
the road to Raymond, General McClernand to Five Mile 
Creek, and General Sherman marched to Auburn. May 12, 
General McClernand marched to Fourteen Mile Creek, at 
which place his advance encountered the enemy, and after a 
sharp skirmish drove them from their position, suffering a loss 
of 4 men wounded. General Sherman also marched to 
Fourteen Mile Creek, where he also met with some resistance 
from Confederate cavalry which was holding the crossing. 
However, a few well-directed shots from Landgraeber's 
Battery soon drove the Confederates to the hills beyond the 
creek and General Sherman held the crossing, with a loss of 
I man killed. During the same day (May 12) General Mc- 
Pherson's 17th Corps, with Logan's Division having the advance, 
continued on the march toward Raymond. The advance met 
with but little opposition until within two miles of Raymond, 
they came upon the enemy under command of the Confederate 
General, Gregg; about five thousand strong, well posted, and 
with two batteries of artillery so placed as to sweep the road and 
a bridge over which it was necessary to pass. General Logan 
immediately formed his division in line of battle, with the 
First Brigade, General Smith commanding, on the right, 
and his Second Brigade, General Leggett commanding, across 
the road to the left of General Smith, and his Third Brigade, 
General Stevenson commanding, was thrown to the right of 
General Smith, with directions to advance his right as much as 
possible. DeGolyer's Battery was placed on the road near the 




M 




a 



o 



rt 



The Vicksburg Campaign 15 

bridge. With this formation of the division the whole Hne 
advanced when the battle opened with great fury on the front 
of the First and Second Brigade. The battle lasted about 
four hours when the enemy gave way, and soon was on the 
retreat through Raymond, and General McPherson camped 
at that place the night of the I2th. If the reader will consult 
his map, he will notice that General Grant's lines are now 
almost due east and west, and within five miles of the Jackson 
and Vicksburg railroad. The 17th Corps, General Mc- 
Pherson commanding, was at Raymond on the right, the 15th 
Corps, General Sherman commanding, holding the centre on 
Fourteen Mile Creek, and the 13th Corps, General McClernand 
commanding, was on the left of the line, also on Fourteen Mile 
Creek, with his left resting on the Big Black river, his advance 
across the creek, and his pickets within about two miles of 
Edward's Station. The Confederate General, Joseph E. 
Johnston, having arrived at Jackson on the 13th, and being 
the ranking officer, assumed command of all the Confederate 
forces opposing General Grant's advance. He had with him 
at Jackson a force estimated at ,11,000 which was daily being 
augmented. General Pemberton's forces, estimated at 40,000, 
held his advance at Edward's Depot, and was deployed from 
that point back to Vicksburg. General Grant's forces at the 
same date were a very little over .33,000. 

Since crossing the Mississippi river, the enemy had been 
unable to satisfy their minds as to General Grant's intentions. 
Now he must uncover to the foe not only his intentions, but 
his base of supplies as well. The time had come when 
in defiance of all principles inculcated by his teachings at West 
Point, he would leave the way open for the enemy to fall upon 
what they would think his permanent base. Accordingly, 
the night of May 12, General Grant issued orders to the three 
corps commanders as follows: General McPherson was directed 
to march his 17th Corps early in the morning for Jackson, via 
Clinton; General Sherman to march the 15th Corps to Ray- 
mond; and the 13th Corps, General McClernand command- 
ing, was ordered to quietly withdraw from his position near 
Edward's Depot, and march to Raymond with all his corps, 
except General Smith's Division, which was ordered back to old 
Auburn to guard and bring forward to Raymond the supply 
train. May 14, the 17th Corps, General McPherson command- 



i6 Ohio at Vicksburg 

ing, was ordered to advance on Jackson by the Vicksburg and 
Jackson road, and engage the enemy at Jackson if they made a 
stand. General Sherman was given practically the same order, 
but was to move by the direct road from Raymond to Jackson, 
which is south of the road General McPherson was advancing 
on and entered Jackson through the Confederate lines about 
two miles to the right of General McPherson. General Mc- 
Clernand was ordered to send one of his divisions to Forest 
Hill church within supporting distance of General Sherman's 
position at Jackson, and one division to Clinton to support 
General McPherson, and his remaining division to remain 
at Raymond. General McClernand's other division, General 
Smith commanding, was yet at Auburn. About 9 a. m., 
General McPherson's advance came upon the enemy's pickets 
some two and a half or three miles from Jackson and soon 
drove them in on their main line, and General Sherman came 
on them about the same time. General McPherson immediate- 
ly deployed Crocker's Division for the assault, with Logan's 
Division in support. General Sherman made similar dis- 
position of his command. 'By 11 a.m. both General 
Sherman and General McPherson were ready for the assault. 
General Crocker advanced with his division preceded by a 
strong skirmish line, until within a short distance of their 
first line when the skirmishers were recalled, and the division 
charged, taking their first line of works. General McPherson 
followed up with Crocker's Division until near the enemy's 
main line of intrenchments, when he halted the command to 
bring the troops into line, and reconnoitre his front, and 
determine the next move. While General McPherson was 
pressing forward. General Sherman was confronting a Con- 
federate battery which enfilated the road he was advancing on. 
The gallant charge of Crocker's Division, led General John- 
ston to order a retreat, and when General Crocker advanced 
to their main line, found the enemy in full retreat, and in such 
great haste that they did not have time to move their guns or 
destroy them. General Johnston's forces beat a hasty retreat 
across Pearl river, and soon the American flag could be seen 
waving over the capital of Mississippi, and Jackson was ours. 
But time was precious, and other battles were to be fought and 
won before General Grant's army could rest on their laurels 
inside the fortifications of Vicksburg. 



The Vicksburg Campaign 17 

By reason of General Grant's movement with the 15th 
and 17th Corps against Jackson on the 13th and 14th, his base 
at Grand Gulf on the river was necessarily uncovered and 
exposed his rear to the attack of General Pemberton's army of 
40,000. General Johnston seeing General Grant's exposed rear, 
sent orders to General Pemberton, dated May 13, to advance 
with his entire force and attack General Grant at Clinton. But 
General Pemberton discovering General Grant had blunderingly, 
as he believed, uncovered his line of communication, deter- 
mined to disobey his superior's orders and instead cut that 
line; and really put his army in motion for that purpose, but 
was forced back on account of high waters. General Pember- 
ton had not yet realized that General Grant had some four 
days before abandoned his base and was then subsisting his 
army off the country. That move on the part of General 
Pemberton gave General Grant time to march east, capture 
Jackson, disperse General Johnston's army there, about face, 
march west and be in position to repel any attack General 
Pemberton might wish to make on him at any point west oi 
Clinton. On General Pemberton's return to the Jackson 
road, he received early on the morning of the i6th a repetition 
of his order to join General Johnston at Clinton, which order 
he decided to obey, sending a dispatch to General Johnston 
to that effect, and immediately placed his army in motion to 
obey the order. 

General Johnston's dispatch to General Pemberton, under 
date of May 13, was sent in triplicate, one of the bearers proved 
to be a Union man, and instead of delivering it to General 
Pemberton, he came inside our lines and delivered it to General 
McPherson, who in turn forwarded it to General Grant. 
Immediately on receipt of this dispatch, General Grant issued 
his orders to his three corps commanders for their movements 
on the 15th. To General McPherson his orders were to about 
face and march his 17th Corps west as far as Bolton, which 
point is about 20 miles west of Jackson on the Vicksburg road. 
General McClernand was ordered to concentrate his 13th 
Corps at or near Bolton in the shortest possible time. General 
Sherman to remain with his 15th Corps at Jackson on the 15th 
for the purpose of destroying all Confederate property in or 
about that place. Two brigades of Blair's Division, 15th 
Corps, had reached Auburn from Grand Gulf, and by orders 



i8 Ohio at Vicksburg 

from General Grant were temporarily attached to General A. 
J. Smith's Division, 13th Corps. 

In obedience to General Grant's orders of May 14, Mc- 
Clernand's cavalry, by 9 a. m. of the 15th, had seized Bolton, 
driving out the enemy, and by noon had three divisions at or 
near that point well posted. 

The positions occupied by Grant's army the evening of 
May 15 were as follows: two divisions of Sherman's 15th 
Corps at Jackson, McPherson's 17th Corps, and three divi- 
sions of McClernand's 13th Corps were at or near Bolton, 
facing west, and in position to give battle should the Confed- 
erate General, Pemberton, determine to take the offensive. 
General A. J. Smith's Division, 13th Corps, was north of Ray- 
mond, with two brigades of Blair's Division, 15th Corps, in 
his rear. The morning of May 16 McClernand had the 
advance, and under orders to move his command towards 
Edward's Depot by three roads, all converging at that place. 
General Hovey's Division held the advance on the Clinton 
road, with General Logan's Division, 17th Corps, close on his 
rear as support. General Osterhaus and General Carr's 
Divisions, 13th Corps, were advancing on the middle road, 
while General Smith's Division, 13th Corps, and two brigades 
of General Blair's Division, 15th Corps (temporarily under 
command of McClernand), were advancing on the south road. 
The orders to all corps and division commanders were to move 
cautiously, with skirmishers well to the front, and avoid a 
general engagement unless they were certain of success. 
General Smith's Division on the extreme left was the first to 
encounter the enemy's pickets. Osterhaus, having the ad- 
vance on the middle road, hearing the fire of Smith's artillery 
and skirmishers, pushed his skirmishers forward, and soon 
struck the enemy's pickets well posted. About the same 
time Hovey also came up to the enemy's pickets, strongly 
posted near the base of Champion's Hill, on the north road 
leading from Jackson into Vicksburg. He immediately 
formed his division in line, with General McGinnis' Brigade 
on the right, and Colonel Slack's Brigade on the left. His 
skirmishers were at once deployed, and sent forward covering 
the entire front of his division, and advanced within sight of 
the enemy's battery. While General Hovey was forming 
his division as above described, the advance division of the 



The Vicksburg Campaign 19 

17th Corps, General Logan commanding, had reached the 
field and was quickly formed on the right of General Hovey. 
The left of Logan's Second Brigade, General Leggett command- 
ing, forming on General Hovey's right, and the First 
Brigade, General Smith commanding, formed on the right 
of General Leggett, with the Third Brigade, General Stevenson 
commanding, a short distance in the rear as support. The 
8th Michigan Battery, Captain DeGolyer commanding, was 
placed in position about two hundred yards to the rear of the 
Second Brigade, and Rogers' Battery of 24-pound Howitzers 
supported by Smith's Brigade. The 3rd Ohio Battery, Cap- 
tain Williams commanding, was placed in position on a ridge 
to the rear of the division, as reserve. 

After some sharp skirmishing along General Hovey's 
front, at about 10.30 a. m., the battle opened, when General 
Hovey advanced about 600 yards, driving the enemy before 
him, capturing 11 guns and about 300 prisoners. At this 
point, the enemy being reinforced rallied and began pouring 
down the road in great numbers upon the position occupied 
and held by General Hovey, driving him back, yet contesting 
with death every inch of the field they had so recently won. 
Seeing from the character of the ground that his division was 
likely to be hard pressed, and possibly outflanked, he called 
for reinforcements from Crocker's Division, 17th Corps, 
which had just come up, but had not as yet been engaged. 
About a half hour later, by order of General Grant, General 
Crocker sent Colonel Boomer's Brigade, and the loth Missouri 
and the 17th Iowa to his support. The reinforcements num- 
bered about 2,000 men. But the enemy having massed 
on his front. General Hovey, with his reinforcements, con- 
tinued to be slowly forced back until his lines reached 
a point near the brow of the hill. Here a stubborn 
stand was made, which position the division succeeded 
in holding after more than two hours of most terrific 
fighting. Almost simultaneous with General Hovey's advance 
at 10.30 a. m., General Leggett, and General Smith's Brigades 
of Logan's Division advanced, and encountered the enemy 
strongly posted in the outskirts of timber directly on his front. 
After a spirited resistance they were compelled to retire. The 
engagement was now general along the entire fronts of both 
Hovey's and Logan's Divisions, with the enemy contesting 



20 Ohio at Vicksburg 

with sreat determination the forward movements of either 
General Hovey or General Logan. General Logan's lines were 
now in such a position that the enemy's batteries confronting 
his right could enfilade the line of his First and Second Brigades. 
General Logan, seeing the situation, ordered a charge against 
the enemy by his First and Second Brigades, commanded 
respectively by General Leggett and General Smith. After 
a fearful slaughter the line of the enemy was broken, and 
the enemy was forced to abandon his chosen position, and 
retire under cover of a second ridge. During this assault, 
Logan's Third Brigade, General Stevenson commanding, 
moved up and formed on the right of General Smith's First 
Brigade to prevent any flank movement by the enemy. The 
formation of General Stevenson's brigade on General Smith's 
right caused the enemy to plant a battery of six guns in a com- 
manding position on his front for the purpose of checking the 
advance of General Stevenson, and at the same time enfilade 
the brigades of both General Smith and General Leggett. 
To thwart the evident designs of the enemy, General Stevenson 
was ordered to advance his right, and charge the enemy. 
Crossing an almost impassable hollow, the brigade with the 
8 1st Illinois Infantry, and the 32d Ohio Infantry forming the 
advanced line, moved up in good order, made a bayonet 
charge as directed, driving the enemy from their guns, cap- 
turing the entire battery of 6 guns, and cutting General Pem- 
berton off from his direct line of retreat to Edwards Depot, 
and Black River Bridge. This brilliant charge by General 
Stevenson's Brigade turned the left flank of the enemy, hurled 
them back on the front of the First and Second Brigade, where 
they were so warmly received that they were again forced to 
retire, leaving as trophies to the brigades six pieces of artillery, 
and a large number of prisoners. 

The enemy discovering that General Logan had turned 
their left flank, now made a desperate effort to turn our left 
by concentrating all their available forces, and advancing 
against Hovey's Division that had then been fighting for more 
than three and a half hours, and very much fatigued, yet 
retaining a most determined spirit. At this instance, the tide 
of battle seemingly was turning against the Union forces, 
when General Hovey, equal to the occasion, hurriedly placed 
in commanding positions the ist Missouri Battery, Captain 



The Vicksburg Campaign 2I 

Dillon's Wisconsin Battery, Captain Scofield's Battery, and 
two sections of the i6th Ohio Battery; opened an enfilading 
fire on the advancing foe, with such a terrific shower of shot 
and shell that caused them to stagger. Taking advantage 
of the halt in their advance, General Hovey, assisted by the 
brigades of Boomer and Holmes of Crocker's Division, 17th 
Corps, made a brilliant charge, hurling the enemy back, re- 
gaining the ground they had lost some four hours before, 
recapturing five of the eleven guns they had captured durmg 
the first assault, and sending the enemy panic-stricken toward 
Black river, and the battle of Champion's Hill was won for 
the Union forces. 

The following paragraph is by authority of Grant's 
Memoirs, pages 512-521: 

This battle was fought under General Grant's immediate 
supervision, he having reached the field shortly after General 
Hovey and Logan had formed their lines. As soon as he had 
taken in the situation, he sent a staff" officer to General Mc- 
Clernand, directing him to push his command forward as 
rapidly as possible and attack General Pemberton's right. 
This order was disregarded by General McClernand, 
who at the time had two divisions w4thin some two and a half 
miles of General Pemberton's centre, and two divisions 
(Smith and Blair) confronting the Confederate right. Gen- 
eral Grant sent repeated orders to General McClernand to 
advance and press General Pemberton's center and right, but 
excepting Hovey's Division, none of General McClernand's 
command got upon the field until the enemy was in full retreat. 
Had these important orders of General Grant to General Mc- 
Clernand been obeyed, it is not improbable that General 
Pemberton's army would have been destroyed, and the siege 
of Vicksburg would not be, as it is, a matter of history. The 
battle of Champion's Hill was fought largely by Hovey's 
Division, 13th Corps, and Logan's Division, 17th Corps, 
assisted, during the last half of the battle, by Crocker's Division, 
17th Corps. 

When General Pemberton began his retreat, he was 
pursued, as soon as the cartridge boxes could be refiUed, 
by General Stevenson's Brigade, Logan's Division, 17th 
Corps, and Captain DeGolyer's Battery in advance, followed 
by Carr's Division, and Osterhaus' Division, 13th Corps. 



22 Ohio at Vicksburg 

The pursuit was kept up until darkness and fatigue compelled 
the pursuers to go into camp, but not until they had captured 
over 1,300 prisoners. General Grant had in this battle about 
15,000 men actually engaged. This excludes that part of his 
army that did not get up, and all of McClernand's Corps 
excepting the Division of General Hovey. 

Daylight of the morning of the 17th saw the 13th Corps, 
Carr's Division, in advance, well on the way toward Big Black 
River Bridge. On the east side of the river. General Lawler's 
Brigade of Carr's Division, came upon the enemy strongly 
posted behind two lines of earthworks, each forming a seg- 
ment of an irregular circle, both ends resting on the river, 
and a swamp protecting the front. General Carr formed his 
division on the right, with Lawler's Brigade occupying the 
extreme right with his right resting on the river above. Next 
came General Osterhaus in the center, and Burbridge's Bri- 
gade, of Smith's Division, on the left. After a few well-directed 
shots from the Peoria Battery, General Lawler brought his 
Brigade to attention with orders to fix bayonets, and the 
command forward was given, when, with a cheer they charged 
the enemy's line and soon were inside their works. Simul- 
taneous with the charge of General Lawler, one brigade of 
General Osterhaus and one from General A. J. Smith's Divi- 
sion (Burbridge) made a similar charge, and soon the enemy 
was fleeing across Big Black River Bridge, burning the 
bridge after them. In this battle General Lawler won dis- 
tinguished mention by the corps commander for the success- 
ful execution of his brilliant charge across an open field. 
This grand success w^as decisive, and all the troops pressed 
forward, driving the enemy across the river or compelling them 
to surrender. About 1,500 prisoners, and 18 pieces of artillery, 
many small arms, and a large quantity of ammunition fell 
into our hands. 

By II a. m.. May 18, the bridge over Big Black River, 
which the enemy burned on his retreat, was repaired and 
General McClernand's Corps commenced crossing, advancing 
against Vicksburg by Mt. Albans and the Baldwin's Ferry 
road. General Sherman's 15th Corps crossed at Bridgeport, 
and advanced by the Bridgeport and Vicksburg road. At 
this point General Frank P. Blair's Division of the 15th Corps 
rejoined its corps, after being temporarily attached to General 



The Vicksburg Campaign 23 

McClernand's 13th Corps for the last three days. McPher- 
son's 17th Corps at an early hour crossed between Bridgeport 
and the railroad bridge, and advanced in a northwest direction 
until the Bridgeport and Vicksburg road was reached, where 
they halted until Sherman's Corps had passed, when they took 
up their line of march direct for Vicksburg. By 3 p. m. the 
head of column of Sherman's 15th Corps had reached Walnut 
Hills, and General Sherman could be seen, proudly standing 
on the Confederate entrenchments that he tried so hard to 
capture on December 29, 1862. 

Ewing's Brigade, of Blair's Division, 15th Corps, that 
had been, until May 15, doing guard and fatigue duty between 
Milliken's Bend and Grand Gulf, rejoined its division in front 
of Vicksburg the night of May 18, having marched 85 miles 
in three days, and captured 203 prisoners on the march. 
General Grant immediately formed his lines around the Vicks- 
burg defenses with Sherman's 15th Corps on the right, his 
right resting on the Mississippi river about two miles above 
Vicksburg, his left joining General McPherson's right. Mc- 
Pherson's 17th Corps took position on the center, to the right 
and left of the main Jackson and Vicksburg road, and ex- 
tending south to a point near the Vicksburg and Jackson 
railroad, where he joined to the right of McClernand's 13th 
Corps. McClernand's right rested near the railroad, and 
extended south towards Warrenton as far as his line would 
admit, thus shutting in and practically dooming to capture 
the remainder of Pemberton's heroic army, which grimly 
awaited the certain onslaught of the Union forces. Flushed 
with successive victories, the officers and men of Grant's army 
thought that all they had to do the morning of May 19 was to 
assault the Confederate line, and the campaign would be over 
and Vicksburg would be ours. But in that instance they 
reckoned without their hosts. The Confederate army, no 
doubt, was disheartened from their successive defeats within 
the last few days, but when the assault of May 19 was made, 
they were found ready to defend the city of Vicksburg with 
their lives. General Grant's entire available force moved 
against the enemy's works along their entire line at 2 o'clock 
p. m. of May 19, but the assault, although pushed with con- 
fidence and energy, proved unsuccessful, excepting that the 
Union forces were enabled to get better positions, and closer 



24 Ohio at Vicksburg 

to the Confederate lines, where they could be fully covered 
from the lire of the enemy. 

The 20th and 2ist were spent in fortifying and strengthen- 
ing the positions gained by the assault of May 19, and in making 
roads from the Yazoo river. The army had not drawn any 
rations for the past three weeks, and they were becoming very 
hungry for a tin cup of good black coffee and hard tack. By 
the night of the 21st, the entire army were fully supplied with 
full rations of coffee and hard bread, and they were corre- 
spondingly happy, and ready for any orders that would be 
issued from General Grant's headquarters. The failure of 
the assault of May 19 was disappointing, not only to Grant, 
but to his entire army, as time was thought an important 
factor in the success of the campaign, and Grant had none to 
spare. The Confederate General, Joseph E. Johnston, was at 
Canton, and daily receiving reinforcements, and might soon 
feel himself strong enough to attack Grant's rear, and raise 
the siege. Accordingly a second assault was planned, this 
time more deliberately, and on May 22, the third day after 
the first failure, a second assault was made, of which General 
Grant says: "Promptly at the hour designated (10 a. m.) the 

three army corps advanced to the assault A portion 

of the commands succeeded in planting their flags on the 
outward slopes of the enemy's bastions, and maintained them 
until night The assault failed, I re- 

gret to say, with much loss on our side in killed and wounded." 

The assaults of May 19 and 22 convinced Grant's army, 
both officers and men, that the defenses of Vicksburg could 
not be taken by assault without the sacrifice of too many 
valuable lives, and General Grant determined on a siege. 
As soon as siege operations were determined upon, saps were 
begun zigzagging from our front to the principal forts of the 
foe, with the view of undermining and blowing them up, 
whereby General Grant hoped to break the enemy's line at 
some point and end the campaign. 

General Johnston was now exerting himself to the utmost 
to collect at Canton an army with which to fall on General 
Grant's rear and, with General Pemberton's assistance, crush 
him. It being reported to General Grant that some of John- 
ston's command had advanced, and was occupying Mechanics- 
burg, located some 45 miles northeast from Vicksburg, he 



The Vicksburg Campaign 25 

placed General Blair in command of an expeditionary force 
with orders to march out and disperse them. General Blair 
successfully performed this duty, and returned to the invest- 
ment line June 4. General Grant now bent his energies to 
pushing siege operations, and to defending his position against 
any possible maneuvers of the sagacious Johnston, and to 
prevent him from crossing Big Black river, and to defeat him 
should he succeed in doing so. 

The campaign from Milliken's Bend to Vicksburg had 
been eminently successful, and equally brilliant in its con- 
ception and execution. But the time had now come when the 
three army corps that composed General Grant's army during 
the campaign from Milliken's Bend to the Confederate defenses 
around Vicksburg, was inadequate to successfully cope with their 
adversaries. General Johnston with an army of perhaps 
30,000 east of Big Black river, and General Pemberton with 
about an equal number inside the Vicksburg defenses, rendered 
reinforcements to defend General Grant's exterior line against 
General Johnston necessary. May 19 General Lauman 
reached Young's Point with one division, and was assigned a 
position on the investment line to the left of the 13th Corps. 
June 3 General Kimball arrived with 12 regiments, and was 
assigned position at Haines' Bluff, and June 11 General 
Sooy Smith reached Young's Point with a strong division, 
and w^as also sent up the Yazoo to Haines' Bluff. On the 
same date (June 11) General Herron came with a full division 
and was assigned a position on the investment line to the left 
of General Lauman, with his left resting near the Mississippi 
river below the city, thus completing the investment with a 
line of bayonets and batteries, from the river above to the 
river below the city. June 15 General Park arrived with two 
divisions of Burnsides Corps, and was immediately dispatched 
to Haines' Bluff. General Grant now had about 71,000 men, and 
more than half of them (about 40,000) stationed across the 
peninsula from Haines' Bluff by way of Oak Ridge to Big 
Black river, where General Osterhaus took up the line defend- 
ing Grant's rear, and extended south from the Jackson road. 
On June 8 General C. C. Washburn was assigned command of 
the forces at Haines' Bluff, and on June 22, General Sherman 
was assigned to the command of the exterior line extending 
from Haines' Bluff on the Yazoo river on the north, to Hall's 



26 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Ferry on the south, fully prepared to resist any attack that 
Johnston should make. General Grant, with his 40,000 
troops on the exterior line under command of Sherman, was 
now free to prosecute the work of the siege with more vigor. 
Saps had been started on the front of almost, if not all, the 
divisions on the investment line, and were being pushed with 
the utmost dispatch. The siege progressed in a quiet way, 
the men working diligently in the several saps until June 25, 
when Logan, having his sap completed to and under the 3d 
Louisiana redan (known by the Union force as Fort Hill) on 
the Jackson road, and having placed 2,200 pounds of powder 
under the fort, it was ready for the match. 

At 3:30 p. m. the match was applied and shortly a 
geyser-like cone of dirt arose from the fort to probably 100 
feet, the dust from which filled the air, when the Union troops 
of Logan's Division rushed into the crater made by the explo- 
sion, but the breach was not large enough to permit the passage 
of any considerable force, and was of little practical utility. 
The Union forces were able to hold the crater, whilst the enemy 
retired to an inner line. Another mine was immediately 
started on General Logan's front, which was sprung July i, 
but the lesson of June 25 was remembered, and no assault 
followed. By this explosion the redan was practically de- 
stroyed. With the exception of the attempt of breaking the 
enemy's line by the explosion of the 3d Louisiana redan on 
Logan's front, and his effort to effect a lodgment therein with 
his division, there was no fighting worthy of mention after 
the assault of May 22. The Union sharpshooters kept the 
enemy down, so that sap digging went on with little danger or 
interruption. Shells were continually thrown into the city 
by the mortar boats on the river, and by General Grant's siege 
guns on the investment line. To escape this perpetual storm 
of shot and shell, the inhabitants of the city dug caves and 
subterranean passages in the bluffs on which the city stands. 
In these they lived almost continuously during the siege. 
Only one of those caves remains a relic of those strenuous days. 

Food was growing scarce and the besieged army was 
suffering from hunger. Flour and side meat were selling at 
almost prohibitory prices, while mule meat was in great de- 
mand and was said to be eaten with a relish. Conditions 
grew worse until the privates in the Confederate army 



The Vicksburg Campaign 27 

demanded to be fed or surrendered. June 28 General Pember- 
ton received a letter signed by several private soldiers of his 
command, which read in part: "If you cannot feed us you 
had better surrender us, horrible as the idea is. We tell you 
plainly, men are not going to lie here and perish, if they do 
love their country. Self-preservation is the first law of nature, 
and hunger will compel a man to do almost anything. You 
had better heed a warning voice if it does come from a private 
soldier. This army is ripe for mutiny unless it can be fed." 
This letter evidently put Pemberton to thinking, and on July 
2, seeing no hope of relief from Johnston, he addressed a letter 
to each of his four division commanders askino- them to inform 
him with as little delay as possible as to the condition of their 
troops, and their ability to make the marches, and undergo 
the fatigue necessary to accomplish a successful evacuation of 
the city. Two of his generals in reply suggested surrender, 
and the other two practically did the same thing. On receipt 
of these replies, Pemberton seemed to have abandoned all hope, 
and about 10 a. m. the next morning (July 3) General Bowan 
and Colonel Montgomery appeared with a white flag on 
General A.J.Smith's Division front bearing a letter from Pem- 
berton to General Grant, proposing an armistice with the 
view of arranging terms of surrender. A meeting between 
General Grant and General Pemberton was arranged for, 
and at 3 o'clock p. m. of the same day, the commanding gen- 
erals met in front of Stevenson's Brigade, Logan's Division, 
17th Corps. General Pemberton inquired as to the terms 
General Grant would make, and was informed that the surren- 
der would be "unconditional." General Pemberton replied 
snappingly, "The conference may as well end," to which Grant 
made answer in his usual calm and courteous tone, "Very 
well," and turned away. Here the negotiations might have 
been terminated but that the Confederate General Bowen, 
who was anxious to end the fruitless struggle, interposed 
with the proposition that the Confederate army be permitted 
to march out with their small arms and light artillery. This 
suggestion was not considered for a moment. The con- 
ference closed with General Grant promising to send his 
terms in writing to General Pemberton, which he did, and late 
that night received an acceptance, excepting that General 
Pemberton made a few minor suggestions, a part of which 



28 Ohio at Vicksburg 

General Grant conceded and a part rejected in a communica- 
tion that closed the negotiations. 

At 10 a. m., July 4, 1863, white flags appeared along the 
entire line of the Confederate defenses, and immediately after, 
the Confederate army marched outside their intrenchments, 
with their colors flying, formed line, stacked arms, laid their 
colors on the stacks, about faced and marched back within 
their intrenchments as prisoners of w^ar. Logan's Division, 
17th Corps, being given the post of honor, marched into the 
city, placed the flag of the Union on the courthouse and took 
possession. An abstract of the capture shows 31,600 prisoners, 
172 cannon, 60,000 muskets, and a large quantity of ammuni- 
tion. 

Five days after the surrender of Vicksburg, Port Hudson 
fell, and the Army of the Tennessee joined hands with the 
Army of the Gulf. The navigation of the Mississippi was 
reasonably secure, the Southern Confederacy was cut in 
twain, the hopes of the Union-loving people of the North were 
revived, and the spirits of the Confederacy proportionately 
depressed. 

Whilst this campaign stands in history as the most original 
in strategy, the most successful in execution of any military 
operations in modern warfare, vet the crown of glory had its 
thorns, the laurels of victory w^ere tinged with the blood of 
patriots. What had it cost the Union army to win that great 
and memorable success } Here are a few figures showing the 
Union losses. 



The Vicksburg Campaign 29 

The following tabulations furnished by courtesy of Captain 
W. T. Rigby, Chairman V. N. M. P. Commission. 



General Summary of Casualties^ March 29^uly 4. 

UNION. 

Killed Wounded Missing Total 

Dunbar's Plantation, La., April 15 

Port Gibson, May i 131 

South Fork Bayou Pierre, May 2 

North Fork Bayou Pierre, May 3. . . . i 

Pinhook, Louisiana, May 10 2 

Raymond, May 12 66 

Fourteen Mile Creek, May 12-13. ... 6 

Jackson, May 14 42 

Champion's Hill, May 16 410 1,844 

Big Black River Bridge, May 17 39 

Skirmishes about Vicksburg, May 18 

20 and 21 . . . . 13 

Assault on Confederate Line of De- 
fense, May 19 157 

Assault on Confederate Line of De- 
fense, May 22 502 2,550 

Mechanicsburg, June 4 i 

Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, June 7. . loi 

Bayou Baxter, Louisiana, June 9 

Birdsong Ferr}', June 12 

Richmond, Louisiana, June 15 i 

Hill's Plantation, June 22. . 8 

Elisville, June 25 

Near Lake Providence, La., June 29. i 

On Peninsula opposite Vicksburg, 

June 29 

Edwards Station, July i 

On Gunboats, in Detached Lifantry 

Regiments 6 

Siege Operations, May 23-July 4. . . . 94 



2 . 




2 


719 


25 


875 


I 




I 


6 




7 


8 


3 


13 


339 


37 


442 


10 . 




16 


251 


7 


300 


.^44 


187 


2,441 


237 


3 


279 


41 


2 


56 


771 


8 


942 


'550 


147 


.3.199 


5 • 




6 


280 


265 


646 


I . 




I 


I . 




I 


8 . 




9 


16 


23 


47 




37 


37 


3 


144 


148 


I . 




I 


3 • 




3 


26 . 




32 


425 


119 


638 



Total 1,581 7,554 1,007 10,142 



30 Ohio at Vicksburg 

CONFEDERATE. 

Killed Wounded Missing Total 

Acting of River Batteries, April 22. . . i 2 3 

Grand Gulf, April 29 3 18 21 

Haynes' BlufF (Snyder's Mill) Apr.30. . . . ". 3 3 

Port Gibson, May i 56 328 341 725 

Raymond, May 12 Ji, 251 190 514 

Jackson, May 14 17 64 118 199 

Champion's Hill, May 16 380 1,018 2,453 S'^S^ 

Big Black River Bridge, May 17 3 9 539 551 

Hill's Plantation, June 22 5 16 i 22 

Defense Operations, May 1 8-July 4.. 875 2,169 158 3,202 

Total i>4i3 3*878 3,800 9,091 

The operations thus outlined were participated in by 
organizations (regiments or parts of regiments and batteries) 
representing states as follows: 

UNION TROOPS PARTICIPATING. 

iLLiNOis^Infantry (8th, nth, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 
i8th, 20th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32d, 33d, 37th, 40th, 
41st, 43d, 45th, 46th, 47th, 48th, 53d, 54th, 55th, 56th, 6ist, 
63d, 72d, 76th, 77th, 8 1st, 87th, 90th, 93d, 94th, 95th 97th, 99th, 
loist, 103d, io6th, io8th, 109th, 113th, 114th, ii6th, ii8th, 
I20th, 124th, 126th 127th, 130th, 131st) 55; Cavalry (Thiele- 
mann's Battalion, Kane County Independent Company, 2d, 
3d, 4th, 5th, 7th, loth, nth, 15th) 10; Artillery (Cogwell's 
Battery, Chicago Mercantile Battery, Batteries A, B, D, E, 
F, H and I, 1st Light and Batteries A, E, F, G, K and L, 2d 
Light) 15; total 80. 

Indiana — Infantry (8th, nth, 12th, i6th, i8th, 23d, 24th, 
26th, 34th, 46th, 47th, 48th, 49th, 53d, 54th, 59th, 6oth, 67th, 
69th, 83d, 93d, 97th, 99th, looth) 24; Cavalry (ist, 4th) 2; 
Artillery (ist, 6th) 2; total 28. 

lowA — Infantry (3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, loth, nth, 
I2th, 13th, 15th, i6th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 2ist, 22d, 23d, 24th, 
25th, 26th, 28th, 30th, 31st, 34th, 35th, 38th, 40th) 28; Cavalry 
(3d, 4th) 2; Artillery (ist, 2d) 2; total 32. 

Kansas — Infantry (ist) i. 



The Vicksburg Campaign 31 

Kentucky — Infantry (Independent Company of Pioneers, 

7th, 19th, 22d) 4. 

Massachusetts— Infantry (29th, 35th, 36th) 3. 

Michigan— Infantry (2d, 8th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 20th, 
27th) 7; Artillery (7th, 8th) 2; total 9. 

Minnesota— Infantry (3d, 4th, 5th) 3; Artillery (ist); 

total 4. 

Missouri— Infantry (3d, 6th, 7th, 8th, loth, nth, 12th, 
17th. 24th, 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32d, 35th, Engineer 
Regiment of the West) 17; Cavalry (4th, 6th, loth) 3; Artillery 
(Batteries A, B, C, E, F, and M, ist Light, and Battery F 
(Landgraeber's, 2d Light) 7; total 27. 

New Hampshire— Infantry (6th, 9th, nth) 3. 

New York— Infantry (46th, 51st, 79th) 3; Artillery 
(Battery L, 2d Light) i ; total 4. 

Ohio— Infantry (i6th, 20th, 22d, 30th, 32d, 37th, 42d, 
46th, 47th, 48th, 53d, 54th, 56th, 57th, 58th, 68th, 70th, 72d, 76th, 
78th, 80th, 83d, 95th, 96th, 114th, I20th) 26; Cavalry (4th) i; 
Artillery (2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, loth, nth, 15th, i6th, 
17th, Yost's captured Battery, afterward known as the 26th 
Ohio Battery) 12; total 39. 

Pennsylvania— Infantry (45th, 50th, 51st, looth) 4; 
Artillery (Durell's Battery) i; total 5. 

Rhode Island — Infantry (7th) i. 

United States Army— Infantry (ist, 13th) 2; Artillery 
(E, Second) i; total 3. 

West Virginia — Infantry (4th) i. 

Wisconsin— Infantry (8th, nth, 12th, 14th, i6th, 17th, 
i8th, 20th, 23d, 25th, 27th, 29th, 33d) 13; Cavalry (2d) i; 
Artillery (ist, 6th, I2th) 3; total 17. 

Aggregate: Infantry, 195; Cavalry, 19; Artillery, 47; 
total 261— not including eight regiments of negroes in process 
of enlistment. 



32 



Ohio at Vicksburg 



Confederate Troops Participating, Including the Army 
of Vicksburg and Johnston^s Army, 

Alabama — Infantry (20th, 23d, 27th, 30th, 31st, 263 
35th, 37th, 40th, 41st, 42d, 46th, 54th, 55th, Stone's Battalion 
of Sharpshooters) 15: Artillery (Company C, 2d Battalion; 
Waddell's Battery; Sengstak's Battery; Charpentier's Battery) 
4; total 19. 

Arkansas — Infantry (4th, 9th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 
25th, 31st) 8; Cavalry (ist Battalion, dismounted;i 12th. Battal- 
ion, Sharpshooters; ist Mounted Rifles; 2d Mounted Rifles) 4; 
Artillery (Appeal Battery, McNally's Battery) 2; total 14. 

Florida — Infantry (ist, 3rd, 4th) 3. 

Georgia— Infantry (25th, 29th, 30th, 34th, 36th, 39th, 40th, 
41st, 42d, 43d, 46th, 47th, 52d, 56th, 57th, 1st Battalion of 
Sharpshooters, 8th Battalion) 17; Cavalry (Nelson's Independ- 
ent Company) i ; Artillery (Cherokee Battery, Martin's Battery, 
Columbus Battery) 3; total 21. 

Kentucky — Infantry (2d, 3d, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th) 7; 
Artillery (Cobb's Battery) i; total 8. 

Louisiana — ^Infantry (3d, 4th, 12th, 13th, i6th, 17th, 
19th, 20th, 2 1 St, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th (sometimes known as 
29th), 30th, 31st, 4th Battalion, 14th Battalion of Sharp- 
shooters, Fleitas' Zouave Battalion) 18; Cavalry (Martin's 
Independent Company) i; Artillery (Bond's, Bruce's, Butler's, 
Capers', Gravson's, Haynes', Lamon's, and Robertson's 
companies of the ist Heavy; Barrow's, Grandpre's, Hart's, 
and McCrory's companies of the 8th Heavy Battalion; Com- 
panies A, B and C of Pointe Coupee; 5th company, Washing- 
ton-Fenner's Battery; Durrive's Battery; Gomez's, Marks', 
Morlot's, and Theard's companies of the 22d Regiment — 
Gomez's and Theard's companies served as infantry during 
the defense) 22; total 41. 

North Carolina — Infantry (29th, 39th, 60th) 3. 

Missouri — Infantry (ist, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th) 6; Cavalry 
(ist — dismounted, 3d — dismounted) 2; Artillery (3d Battery, 
Guibor's Battery, Landis' Battery, Wade's Battery, Lowe's 
Battery, Bledsoe's Battery, Clark's Battery) 7; total 15. 

Maryland — Artillery (3d Battery) i. 

Mississippi — Infantry (ist, 3d, 4th, 6th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 



The Vicksburg Campaign 33 

22d, 23d, 26th, 28th, 31st, 33d, 35th, 36th, 37th, 38th, 40th, 
43d, 46th, 1st Battalion ot Sharpshooters, Pound's BattaHon of 
Sharpshooters, 3d BattaHon of State Troops, 5th Regiment of 
State Troops, 7th BattaHon) 25; Cavalry (Adam's Regiment, 
Ballentine's Regiment, 17th Battalion) 3; Artillery (Companies 
A, C, D, E, G and I of the ist Light; Companies A, B, and C 
of the i'4th Light Battalion; Hudson's Battery; Vaiden Battery) 
II; total 39. 

South Carolina — ^Infantry (i6th, 17th, i8th, 22d, 23d, 
24th, 26th, Holcombe Legion) 8; Artillery (Culpeper's Battery, 
Ferguson's Battery, Waties' Battery, McBeth Battery) 4; 
total 12. 

Tennessee — Infantry (loth, 30th, 39th, 41st, 42d, 43d, 
46th, 48th, 49th, 50th, 53d, 55th, 59th, 60th, 6ist, 62d, 1st 
Battalion, 3d Provisional Regiment, 3d Volunteer Regiment) 
19; Cavalry (ist, 7th) 2; Artillery (Dismukes', Neyland's, Nor- 
man's and Park's companies of the ist Heavy; Caruthers' 
Battery, Johnston's Battery, Lynch's Battery, Mebane's 
Battery, Tobin's Battery) 9; total 30. 

Texas — Infantry (2d, 7th, 9th, ist Battalion, 2d Batta- 
lion, 1st Battalion of Sharpshooters) 6; Cavalry (3d, 6th, 9th, 
loth — dismounted, 14th — dismounted, 32d — dismounted, ist 
Legion, Cleveland's Battalion, Bridges' Battalion) 9; Artillery 
(Wall's Battery) i ; total 16. 

Virginia — Artillery (Botetourt Battery) i. 

Confederate States Army — Infantry (ist Battalion) i. 

Miscellaneous — Davidson's Signal Corps, King's Signal 
Corps, Barrot's Signal Corps, City Guards, Partisan Rangers 
— ^total 5. 

Aggregate: Infantry 141, Cavalry 26, Artillery 62; 
total 229. 



34 Ohio at Vicksburg 



Historical Records* 

THE following pages will give the reader a condensed record 
of the services of each Ohio regimental and battery com- 
mand that served in the campaign and siege of Vicksburg. 

The photo-engravings give a reproduction of the face of 
each Ohio monument, as it stands in V'cksburg National 
Military Park. 

Ohio regimental and battery organizations, not havmg 
furnished the Secretary with a revised record of their respective 
commands, the same has been supplied by the author from 
"Reid's Ohio in the War," assuming those records to be 
correct. 

Where two or more officers' names appear on the face of 
any monument bearing the same rank, or filling the same 
position, it indicates that all had served in that capacity at 
some time during the campaign or siege. 

The historical inscription, as it appears on the back of 
each monument, is reproduced at the close of each historical 
record of the regiment or battery. 




SURRENDER MONUMENT. 
Site of interview between Generals Grant and Pemberton, July 3, 1863. 




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I 6th Ohio Infantry 35 



1 6th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 

THIS regiment was organized under Colonel John F. De- 
Courcey, at Camp Tiffin, near Wooster, Ohio, on the 2d 
day of October, 1861, and was mustered into the service on 
the same day by Captain Belknap, of the i8th United States 
Regulars. It reached Camp Dennison November 28 and 
remained there until the 19th of December, when, receiving 
its arms, it moved to Lexington, Kentucky. On January 
12, 1862, orders were received to report to General S. P. 
Carter, at Somerset, Kentucky. At this point the regiment 
was engaged in repairing and building military roads to 
facilitate the transportation of supplies to General Thomas' 
forces at Mill Springs. 

The battle of Mill Springs was fought and won by General 
Thomas on the 19th of January. The regiment was ordered 
up during the fight, but being retarded by a flood in Fishing 
Creek, did not reach the ground until after the enemy had 
been routed. 

On January 31, 1862, the regiment left Somerset, Ky., 
and marched across the country to London. After a short 
rest at this point it continued its march to Cumberland Ford, 
arriving there on the I2th of February. Nothing of interest 
transpired during its stay. 

On March 12 a reconnoissance in force was made toward 
Cumberland Gap, but with the exception of a slight skirmish 
with the enemy nothing was accomplished. Another recon- 
noissance was made on the 22d of March. About this time 
the regiment was brigaded with the 42d Ohio and 22d Ken- 
tucky, forming the 26th Brigade, 7th Division, Army of the 
Ohio, under command of Brigadier-General George W. 
Morgan. 

On April 28 another reconnoissance was made to the top 
of the Cumberland Mountains in the vicinity of Cumberlanp 
Gap. The mountain was climbed in the midst of a heavy 
fog. Arriving at the top at 8 a. m. they met the enemy 



36 Ohio at Vicksburg 

and a brisk fight ensued, which lasted till the middle of the 
afternoon. The regiment lost i man killed and 2 wounded. 

The month of May was occupied in preparing for the 
assault on Cumberland Gap. On June 10 the march was 
resumed toward the Gap. On the morning of the 17th of 
June the regiment marched up Powell's Valley to the rear of 
Cumberland Gap, where it was discovered that the enemy 
had abandoned that stronghold and retreated toward Knox- 
ville, Tennessee. The i6th was the first regiment to enter 
the enemy's abandoned intrenchments and raise the National 
colors. From this time until the 3d of August the troops 
were engaged in strengthening the position, drilling, and 
foraging, with frequent skirmishing. 

On August 6 the i6th was ordered to relieve the 14th 
Kentucky at Tagewell. About 10 a. m. of that day two 
companies (B and E) of the regiment were sent forward as 
advance pickets. Companies F and D were ordered to the 
right of the Main Hill Road on the same duty. Companies 
C and G were held in reserve. At 11 a. m. heavy skir- 
mishing commenced at the front and continued until the enemy 
appeared on the front and right in force. Companies D and 
F were compelled to fall back. Companies B and E were cut 
off from the main force by a Rebel brigade, and most of them 
captured. Companies C and G were ordered up as a support, 
but were also overwhelmed and compelled to fall back to a 
position on the left of the road. They were now reenforced 
by stragglers from other companies and held the enemy in 
check for two hours, when the ammunition was exhausted. 
They then fell back to the main line, where the National 
forces were massed. Toward night the National army re- 
treated into the intrenchments, the enemy following to within 
three miles of the Gap. 

On September 8 the i6th Ohio and its brigade were ordered 
to Manchester, Ky., for supplies. On the 19th this force was 
joined by the remainder of the National troops from the Gap. 
The supplies having been almost completely exhausted. Gen- 
eral Morgan ordered a retreat toward the Ohio river. This 
retreat was opposed by the enemy, who harassed the National 
forces by frequent attacks, and by placing obstructions in the 
roads, up to Grayson, Ky., within 25 miles of the Ohio river. 
The sufferings of the men on this march were very severe, 
having nothing to eat for several days excepting ears of corn 



i6th Ohio Infantry 



37 



gathered from the fields as they passed. To quench their 
thirst the men were compelled to drink the water collected 
in stagnant pools. On the 3d of October the command 
arrived at Greenupsburg, Ky., on the Ohio river, utterly worn 
out, ragged, shoeless, and covered with the accumulated dust 
of sixteen days' march. Their appearance was forlorn in the 
extreme. 

Resting until the 21st of October at Portland, Ohio, the 
regiment then moved to Charleston, Va., on the Kanawha 
river. On November 10 it marched, under orders, to Point 
Pleasant, Va., and there embarked on steamers for Memphis, 
Tenn., arriving at that place on the 27th of the same month. 
On December 20 it moved with Sherman's command on 
transports to the rear of Vicksburg, Miss., and participated, 
on the 29th, in the disastrous assault on Chickasaw Bayou. 
In this affair the i6th suffered terribly, losing 311 officers and 
men killed, wounded and prisoners. After the assault the 
command of the regiment devolved on Captain E. W. Botsford. 

The next service performed by the regiment was in the 
expedition against Arkansas, Post. That post being captured, 
the 1 6th Ohio, with other troops composing the expedition, 
were taken back to Young's Point, La. The regiment remained 
here until the 8th of March, and then moved to Milliken's 
Bend. 

On April 6, 1863, the regiment joined General Grant's 
expedition to the rear of Vicksburg. It was engaged at Thomp- 
son's Hill on the ist of May, and lost 9 men killed and wounded. 
It was also engaged at Champion's Hill, or Baker's Creek, on 
the 1 6th of May, and on the 17th at Black river bridge. 
On May 19 it took a prominent part in the disastrous assault 
on the Rebel works in the rear of Vicksburg. In these several 
affairs the regiment lost severely in killed and wounded. On 
the 22d of May it was again engaged in an assault on the 
Rebel works, losing several men killed and wounded. It 
remained in the rear of Vicksburg until its fall, July 4, 1863. 
On the 6th of July it was ordered to Jackson, Mississippi, 
where it participated in the siege and capture of that place. 

The regiment now marched back to Vicksburg, where it 
was placed on transports with orders to report to the com- 
manding officer at New Orleans, La. It arrived at Carrollton, 
six miles above the city, on the 15th of August. 



^S Ohio at Vicksburg 

General Bank's expedition to the Teche country was 
then forming at New Orleans, and the i6th was made a part of 
it. About the 7th of September the expedition left New 
Orleans. Starting from Algiers, opposite the city, the regi- 
ment moved by railroad to Brashear City, and from thence 
marched across the country to Opelousas. Returning to New 
Orleans it joined the expedition under General Washburne 
to Texas, landing at DeCrow's Point, on Matagorda Peninsula. 
From thence it went by steamer to Indianola, and from there 
to Fort Esperanza, opposite DeCrow's Point, on Matagorda 
Island. From this place it sailed to New Orleans, arriving at 
that city on the 2ist of April, 1864. 

The regiment remained in New Orleans only two days, 
and was then sent up the river to Alexandria to reenforce 
General Banks' army, jusf returned from his disastrous 
expedition into the Red river country. It arrived at Alexandria 
April 26, and was immediately sent to the front, where the 
enemy was met and engaged in several skirmishes. In these 
the regiment lost some men. Returning to Alexandria five 
companies were detailed to assist in building a dam across 
Red river to enable the gunboats to reach the Mississippi 
river. 

About the 15th of May the 1 6th Ohio, with the rest of 
the forces under General Banks, commenced to retreat to 
Morganza, La., on the Mississippi. Morganza was reached 
without loss and the regiment went into camp. In this camp 
it remained, performing garrison duty, until the 6th of October, 
when orders were received to proceed to Columbus, Ohio, for 
final discharge from the service. 

This ended the service of the i6th Ohio as an organized 
regiment, it having failed to reenlist for the war from the fact 
that it was feared by the men that the regimental organiza- 
tion would not be preserved. 

The regiment reached Columbus, Ohio, on the 14th of 
October, and was paid and discharged from the service on the 
31st of October, 1863. 

During its service the i6th traveled by railroad 1,285 
miles; by steamboat 3,619 miles; by steamship 1,200 miles, 
and on foot 1,621 miles. No accident occurred to any one 
while traveling on the water or by cars. While on the Gulf 
of Mexico, in November, 1863, off the coast of Texas, in lati- 




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I 6th Ohio Infantry 



39 



tude 27 degrees, several of the men of the regiment had their 
feet frozen during the prevalence of a severe "Norther." 

The total number of deaths, from all causes, in the regi- 
ment was 251. There were killed in battle and died of their 
wounds 2 officers and 60 men. There was one death from 
suicide, and one from accidental shooting. Two men were 
drowned, one while bathing in the Mississippi river, at Vicks- 
burg; the other while returning from general hospital at New 
Orleans, to rejoin his regiment at Morganza. 

There were 185 deaths from disease, of which 47 occurred 
with the regiment. The others were in general hospital, or in 
hospital or other transports, at home on furlough, or in Rebel 
prisons. The number of wounded who recovered was 188. 
The largest per cent sick at any one time occurred while the 
regiment was in barracks at Camp Dennison in 1861. The 
most fatal disease was typhomalarial, or camp fever. The 
most prevalent disease was diarrhea. 

There were two cases of small-pox and 59 of varioloid, 
but no deaths. Of measles there were 52 cases and 2 deaths. 
There w^ere three cases of typhoidpneumonia, all of which 
proved fatal. Two died from diphtheria. The greatest 
mortality in any one month was in April, 1862, at Cumberland 
Ford, Ky., where there were 8 deaths — 4 from typho-malarial 
fever, 2 from typhoid-pneumonia, one from congestive measles, 
and one from hospital gangrene. 

On Surgeon's certificate of disability 186 were discharged, 
and 38 were transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, 15 of 
whom were directly from the regiment. Before leaving 
Morganza the recruits, 90 in number, were transferred to the 
114th Ohio to serve out the unexpired term of their enlistment. 

The number of officers and men mustered out at the 
expiration of its term of service was 477, all that was left of 
1,191, the total of original organization and recruits. 

During its term of service the regiment bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Cumberland Gap, Tenn April 28, 1862 

Tazewell, Tenn August 6, 1862 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28,29, 1862 

Ft. Hindman, Ark. (Arkansas Post) January 11, 1863 

Port Gibson, Miss May i, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 



40 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Big Black river, Miss May 17, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss. .(First assault) May 19, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss May 22, 1863 

Siege of Vicksburg, Miss May 19 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Alexandria, La April 26, 1864 

Mansura, La. (Red river expedition) May 14-16, 1864 

The following inscription appears on the Monument of 
the i6th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss. : 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, 1863, killed i, 
wounded 8, total 9. In the battle of Champion's Hill, May 16, 
killed I, wounded 4, total 5. In the engagement at Big Black 
river bridge. May 17, killed 3, wounded 6, total 9. In the 
assault, May 19, killed i, wounded 9, total 10. In skir- 
mishes about Vicksburg, May 20-21, killed i, wounded 4, 
total 5. In the assault. May 22, killed 4, wounded 5, total 9. 
In skirmishes about Vicksburg, May 23, wounded 3, and 
during the siege not reported: 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 11, wounded 39, total 50." 



20th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

THE Twentieth Ohio was organized for the three months' 
service in May, 1861, but beyond its roster, which is given 
in the proper place, little or nothing of its history or movements 
need be said in this connection. First-Lieutenant John C. 
Fry was soon promoted to captain, and continued in the 
service, entering the three years' organization with his company 
and was made colonel of the regiment in January, 1864. 

The reorganization took place at Camp King, near 
Covington, Ky., on the 21st of October, 1861. Its commander. 
Colonel Charles Whittlesey, a citizen of northern Ohio, grad- 
uated at West Point, and for some years preceding the war 
was an eminent engineer and geologist, residing much of the 



20TH Ohio Infantry 41 

time in the region of Lake Superior. He supervised and 
carried toward completion the defenses of Cincinnati, which 
were commenced back of Covington by General O. M. Mitchell. 
While there, and mainly under the supervision of Lieutenant- 
Colonel M. F. Force, the members of this regiment were im- 
bued with that thoroughly soldierly spirit which adhered to 
them through all the vicissitudes of their field service. 

During the winter of 1861 and 1862 the regiment was 
employed in guarding several batteries in the rear of Covington 
and Newport. Four companies were sent during the winter 
into an insurrectionary district near Warsaw, Ky., and on the 
nth of February, 1862, the entire regiment, with the exception 
of Company K, embarked on the steamers Emma Duncan and 
Doctor Kane for the Cumberland river. 

The 20th arrived at Fort Donelson on the evening of the 
14th of February, and was under fire to some extent, during 
the 15th. It marched to the extreme right of the army, was 
placed in reserve, and was compelled to stand a severe test in 
seeing crowds of stragglers falling back from the front, and in 
being forced to hear their wild reports of disaster and defeat; 
but, notwithstanding these discouragements, the regiment 
passed through its first battle with no little credit to every man. 
After the surrender of the Fort the 20th was sent North in 
charge of prisoners, and became scattered all over the land. 
By the middle of March seven companies had been brought 
together, and they proceeded up the Tennessee river, on the 
expedition to Yellow Creek, on the steamer Continental, 
which General Sherman occupied as headquarters. 

On the 6th of April, while on inspection in camp at Adams- 
ville, the 20th heard the booming of the guns at Pittsburg 
Landing, and at 3 p. m. marched to the field, went into position 
on the right of the army, and spent a comfortless night stand- 
ing in the rain. The regiment participated in the next day's 
battle with considerable loss, and is fully entitled to a share in 
the glory of the victory. It was commanded during the 
engagement by Lieutenant-Colonel Force, Colonel Whittlesey 
being in conmiand of the brigade. During the advance on 
Corinth the 20th remained on duty at Pittsburg Landing. 
Death and sickness held a perfect carnival in its camp, and 
it was accustomed to appear on parade with scarcely 100 men. 
After the fall of Corinth, the regiment moved to Purdy, and 



42 Ohio at Vicksburg 

there joining its division, marched to Bolivar, where it was 
left as a part of the garrison on the 6th of June, 1862. Here 
the health of the regiment improved greatly, and it was princi- 
pally employed in expeditions for information or for forage. 

On the 30th of August, 1862, the Rebel General Arm- 
strong, with 15 regiments marching to destroy railroad com- 
munications northward, was held in check the entire day by 
the 20th Ohio, a portion of the 78th Ohio, and two companies 
of the Second Illinois Cavalry. The steady lire of the skir- 
mishers from the 20th Ohio did much toward restraining the 
enemy from any attack in line. Late in the afternoon two 
companies, G and K of the 2Cth, were captured by a cavalry 
charge, but not until they had emptied many a saddle in re- 
pulsing two previous charges. This affair was considered of 
so much importance that Colonel M. M. Crocker, commanding 
the post of Bolivar, was promoted to Brigadier-General, to 
date from the day of the engagement. Colonel Force, Major 
Fry, Captain Kaga, Adjutant Owen, Lieutenants Ayres, 
Hills and Mellick, of the 20th, were specially and honorably 
mentioned in the official report of Colonel Leggett, who com- 
manded the brigade in this battle. 

The regiment assisted in driving Price from luka, on the 
20th of September, and in the engagement between Hurlburt 
and Price at the crossing of the Hatchie near Metamora, Tenn., 
it arrived on the field at 4 p. m., with a wagon train loaded 
with supplies, having marched 28 miles since 10 o'clock a. m. 
The supplies were immediately turned over and the regiment 
marched in pursuit of the Rebels that same night. 

On the 28th of November the regiment marched south- 
ward from Lagrange in the 2nd Brigade of Logan's Division, 
and on the 4th of December entered Oxford, Miss. The 
regiment advanced as far as Water Valley, Miss., and on the 
capture of Holly Springs returned northward, halting a few 
days at Abbeville, where, on Christmas and New Year's days, 
the men regaled themselves on dinners of parched corn. 
About this time the 17th Army Corps was organized, and 
Logan's Division became the 3d Division in the corps. By 
slow marches the 20th reached Memphis on the 28th of January, 
1863, and there received an addition of 200 recruits and 
drafted men. On the 22d of February the regiment moved 
down the Mississippi river on the steamer Louisiana, landed 



20TH Ohio Infantry 43 

at Lake Providence, and a few weeks later marched to the 
reHef of Porter's fleet, blockaded in Steele's Bayou, and after 
spending three -days in the Louisiana swamps returned to its 
camp. The regiment arrived at Milliken's Bend on the 1 8th 
of April, and marched to Hard Times Landing on the Missis- 
sippi. It crossed the river, moved through Port Gibson, and 
pursued the retreating Rebels to Hankinson's ferry on the 
Big Black. 

On the 1 2th of May the 20th deployed in advance of the 
17th Corps as it approached Raymond, Miss., and while 
resting with arms stacked, was fired upon from a dense thicket 
beyond a small stream. The regiment immediately formed 
and advanced across the creek, using the bank on the opposite 
side as a breastwork. For an hour the struggle was severe, 
and especially so to the 20th, as the regiments on the right 
withdrew their lines a little distance to the rear, and the flank 
of the 20th was exposed to a raking crossfire. Every man 
stood firm until the line again advanced, and the Rebels gave 
way. The regiment lost in this engagement 12 killed and 52 
wounded. Private Canavan, of Company E, was promoted 
to a sergeantcy on the field for skillfully managing his company 
when all the officers and sergeants were struck down. Captain 
Wilson was decorated with the 17th Corps Medal of Honor, 
in silver, for gallantry in assembling his skirmishers under the 
very muzzles of the enemy's guns in the first charge. Lieu- 
tenant Weatherby, of Company A, being on the extreme right 
of the skirmish line with his company, and being cut off from 
his regiment, assembled his company and reported to the 
colonel of the nearest regiment, the 8ist Illinois, and fought 
as a part of that regiment till the end of the battle; when, as 
the company marched to join its regiment, the 81st showed 
their appreciation of its services by giving three hearty cheers 
for the "20th Ohio Boys." 

The regiment moved on through Clinton, Jackson, Bottom 
Depot, to Champion's Hill, when the regiment was early 
pushed forward to a strong position in a ravine, under such a 
fire that it was dangerous for a staff officer to approach with 
orders. Though the adjoining regiments on each flank w^ere 
pushed back as the enemy moved up in mass, the 20th held its 
ground without wavering till its ammunition was exhausted; 
it then fixed bayonets and prepared to maintain its position, 



44 Ohio at Vicksburg 

but the 68th Ohio came to its assistance from the reserve and 
the enemy was driven back. 

Crossing Big Black the regiment reached the rear of 
Vicksburg, and acted as support to the assaulting party on the 
19th and 22d of May. The regiment did its proportion of vvork in 
the saps, and mines and trenches, until the 26th of May, when, 
with the brigade, it withdrew from the line and accompanied 
an expedition to the Yazoo Valley. It returned again to Vicks- 
burg on the 4th of June, and was placed in reserve. On the 
day of its return Colonel Force was ordered to assume command 
of the 2d Brigade, and was afterward promoted to brigadier- 
general. Lieutenant Walker, acting adjutant of the 20th, 
was made captain and assistant adjutant-general on General 
Force's staff, and Lieutenant H. O. Dwight was appointed 
adjutant, and held the position to the close of the war, declin- 
ing a captaincy when it was offered to him. 

It was about this time that several of the 20th, who had 
been transferred to the 5th United States Heavy Artillery 
(colored), passed through a severe hand-to-hand action at Mil- 
liken's Bend, in which the attacking Rebels were thoroughly 
defeated by the raw negro troops. 

On the 26th of June the regiment, marching with the 2d 
Brigade, withdrew to Tiffin, near Black river, in order to 
observe the movements of Johnston. After the fall of Vicks- 
burg the regiment camped at Bovina Station on the Mississippi 
Southern Railroad, but was shortly ordered to join Sherman's 
army besieging Jackson. It finally returned to Vicksburg, 
July 30, and encamped in the outskirts of the city. In the 
latter part of August, the 20th was a part of an expedition to 
Monroe, on the Ouachita river, and returned to its camp at 
Vicksburg, September i. On the 7th of October the regi- 
ment crossed Big Black at Messenger's ferry, skirmished 
slightly at Boquechitto Creek, advanced toward Canton as 
far as Livingston, thence to Clinton, and then over the old 
Champion's Hill battleground to Big Black and Vicksburg. 

In January, 1864, two-thirds of the men present reenlisted 
and on the 3d of February the regiment crossed Big Black and 
joined the celebrated Meridian expedition. In crossing 
Baker's Creek one of the enemy's batteries opened upon the 
column. The 20th rapidly formed in line, and the battery 
retired. The regiment was compelled to march in line until 



20TH Ohio Infantry 45 

late in the afternoon, as the Rebels placed their battery on 
every hilltop and skirmished briskly along the road. In spite 
of this the head of the column passed over 18 miles, and camped 
at Jackson that night. Passing through Brandon, the troops 
reached Morton, and from this point to Meridian the 20th 
acted as rear guard to the whole army the greater portion of 
the distance. After arriving at Meridian the regiment assisted 
in destroying 10 or 15 miles of railroad, and then marched to 
the wagon corral on Chunkey Creek; and, being misdirected 
by a Rebel, it marched eight miles to advance three. The 
next day the Rebel's house was burned, in order that he might 
remember the time he enjoyed the pleasure of misdirecting 
the Yankees. 

On the 20th of February the regiment marched on its 
return as a part of the convoy for 700 wagons. It marched 
by way of Hillsboro' and Canton, and reached Vicksburg on 
the 4th of March. 

The regiment went North on veteran furlough, and, after 
spending 30 days at their homes, rendezvoused at Camp 
Dennison on the ist of May, and proceeded to Cairo, 111., and 
from there by steamer to Clifton, Tenn. From this point it 
marched, via Pulaski, Huntsville, Decatur and Rome, to 
Acworth, where it joined General Sherman on the 9th of June, 
after a march of 250 miles from Clifton. In the advance from 
Acworth the 20th formed the escort to the wagon train, but 
finally joined its brigade, on the 23d, at Bushy Ridge, near 
Kenesaw Mountain. 

On the night of the 26th the 20th, with its division, marched 
to the left of the line, and at 8 o'clock next morning moved 
vigorously and with great noise upon the enemy, the object 
being to divert the enemy's attention from the general assault 
made by the other portions of the National line. The division 
advanced to within easy range of the Rebel works, near Ma- 
rietta, and was exposed to the concentrated fire of the four 
batteries. Having succeeded to a certain extent in accomplish- 
ing their object, the regiment engaged in another demonstra- 
tion on the Rebel works in front of its camp at 3 p. m., and 
advancing up a thickly wooded hill till within 100 yards of the 
enemy's works, sustained a brisk musketry fire till dark. On 
the 2d of July the regiment marched with its corps to the 
mouth of the Nickajack Creek, where the enemy was found 



46 Ohio at Vicksburg 

intrenched. After the evacuation of the works at Nickajack, 
the regiment was employed in picketing the river, which was 
lively business, as the Rebels kept up a constant and accurate 
fire during the day. On the i6th of July the regiment crossed 
the Chattahoochie at Rossville, and on the 20th reached the 
Rebel works before Atlanta. 

The regiment took position in the advanced line on the 
2 1st, and on the 22d firing was heard in its rear. The regi- 
ment formed in the works; but, as the Rebels advanced, the 
men leaped the parapet and faced toward the enemy. The 
Rebels pressed up to and around the regiment, and the bullets 
came from front, flank and rear; and, according as the fire 
was hottest in front or rear, the men of the 20th leaped the 
works and delivered their fire in that direction. Cartridges be- 
came scarce, but portions of Companies A, F and D risked 
their lives and obtained, in the very face of the enemy, five 
cases of ammunition, which were piled up near the regimental 
headquarters; but even this supply was insufiicient, and the 
ammunition of the wounded and dead was distributed, and 
charges were made to capture Rebels for their cartridges. 
At 4 o'clock p. m. many of the men had only two or three 
cartridges left. The batteries in Atlanta threw shell upon 
the rear of the brigade, the enemy redoubled their fire in front, 
and, placing a captured gun within fifty paces of the flank of 
the 20th, raked the regiment with canister. Orders came to 
withdraw from the works and form a new line, and the 20th 
slowly retired, the men turning now and then to fire the last 
cartridge at the enemy. In the new line the 20th was placed 
in reserve, with the exception of a detachment of about 100 
men, who were posted in the works on Leggett's Hill, and fought 
desperately until the close of the battle. In this engagement 
the 20th lost 44 killed, 56 wounded, and 54 missing. Instances 
of personal daring were numberless, but Lieutenants Nutt, of 
Company F, and Skillen, of Company G, and the following 
named enlisted men: Crabbe and Casey, of Company C; 
Elder, of Company G, and Specker and Stevenson, of Com- 
pany F, especially distinguished themselves. 

The regiment was engaged in changing position and 
building works until the 24th of August, when it received 
orders to march as guard to the supply trains of the Army of 
the Tennessee. Four days later the regiment joined its brigade 



20TH Ohio Infantry 47 

at Fairburn, and assisted in destroying railroads. In the battle 
of Jonesboro', on the 31st, the 20th was on the left of the 15th 
Corps, at right angle to the main line, as "refused flank," 
and in this position was greatly annoyed by a heavy artillery 
fire. On the 2d of September the regiment took position on a 
hill near Lovejoy's Station, where it remained several days, 
exposed to some annoyance from the enemy's sharpshooters, 
and finally settled down in camp near Atlanta, on the East 
Point Road. On the 5th of October the regiment joined the 
pursuit of Hood, and, after following as far as Galesville, 
Alabama, returned and camped at Smyrna Church, about 
20 miles from Atlanta, November 5. 

The regiment left Atlanta with Sherman's army on the 
15th of November, for Savannah. It participated in the 
destruction of the town of Millin, Georgia, and, on reaching 
Savannah, took position on the right of the 17th Corps. On 
the 19th of December it was detached from the brigade and 
sent to the Ogeechee, near King's bridge, where it was engaged 
in building wharves on which to land supplies for the army. 
This work was cut short by the surrender of Savannah, and 
the regiment rejoined the brigade, December 24, in camp 
at the outskirts of the city. 

The 20th embarked on the steamer Fanny, on the 5th of 
January, 1865, proceeded to Beaufort, South Carolina, crossed 
Port Royal ferry, and advanced until the enemy was found 
intrenched beyond a rice swamp. The 20th deployed as 
skirmishers, charged the enemy's works in fine style, and the 
regimental colors were soon waving from the parapet. At 
dark the troops encamped before the fortifications of Pocota- 
ligo, and, on the morning of the 13th of January, the 20th was 
assigned camping ground beyond the railroad station of Poco- 
taligo, and remained there until the 30th of January, when 
it started on the Carolina campaign. 

The head of the column struck the enemy, February 13, 
near the bridge across the North Edista at Orangeburg. Two 
companies of the 20th were deployed as skirmishers, and 
soon the regiment advanced on the double-quick and drove 
the enemy back to their fortifications, which were concealed 
by a turn in the road, and from which the Rebels opened fire. 
The regiment deployed as skirmishers, advanced through the 
swamp in water icy cold and waist deep, opened fire on the 



48 Ohio at Vicksburg 

enemy on the opposite side, stood until late in the afternoon, 
and was relieved. Next day crossed the river and engaged 
in destroying the railroad. In this the National loss was less 
than the enemy's missing, wounded or killed. Reached 
Columbia the night the town was destroyed; the next morning 
marched through its smoking ruins and up the railroad, destroy- 
ing it as far as Winnsboro'. On the 24th of February was 
left in rear of the entire army to guard the pontoon train; and, 
after a wearisome march, entered Cheraw March 3, and Ben- 
nettsville the 6th. The regiment moved on over miserable 
roads, being frequently compelled to lift the wagons out of the 
mud, hub deep, until March 19, then moved toward Benton- 
ville, where it arrived at 5 p. m. next day. On the 21st 
fortified rapidly, expecting an attack, but the enemy withdrew, 
and on the 24th the regiment entered Goldsboro'. After two 
week's rest the regiment pushed on to Raleigh, and on the 15th 
of April moved towards Johnston's army. It became known 
that Johnston had asked terms for a surrender; the men 
seemed crazy with joy; they shouted, laughed, flung their hats 
in the air, threw their knapsacks at each other, hugged each 
other, stood on their heads in the mud, and were fairly mad 
w^ith delight. 

Leaving Raleigh, May i, the regiment marched via 
Richmond to Washington; was in the grand review May 24; 
thence was sent to Louisville, Ky., and July 18, back to Colum- 
bus, where it was mustered out of service. 

During its term of service, the regiment bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Fort Donelson, Tenn February 14-16, 1862 

Shiloh, Tenn April 7, 1862 

Bolivar, Tenn August 30, 1862 

luka, Miss September 19,20, 1862 

Hankinson's ferry May 3, 1863 

Raymond, Miss May 12, 1863 

Champion's Hill May 16, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss May 19, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss May 22, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Bakers Creek, Miss (Meridian Raid) Feb. 4, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 27, 1864 

Nickajack Creek, Ga July 2-5, 1864 



22D Ohio Infantry 49 

Atlanta, Ga July 22, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga Aug. 31-Sept. i, 1864 

Lovejoy Station, Ga Sept. 2-6, 1864. 

Savannah, Ga. (siege of) Dec. 10-16, 1864 

Pocotaligo, S. C Jan. 14, 1865 

Orangeburg, S. C Feb. I2, 1865 

Cheraw, S. C March 2, 1865 

Bentonville March 19, 1865 

Surrender at Raleigh of Johnston 

to Sherman April 26, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 20th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss. 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, 1863, sustained no 
casualties. In the engagement at Raymond, May 12, killed 
10, wounded 58, total 68. In the engagement at Jackson, May 
14, sustained no casualties. In the battle of Champion's Hill, 
May 16, killed 2, wounded 28, total 30. Lieut. Presley Mc- 
Cafferty killed. In the assault, May 19, sustained no casual- 
ties. In the assault. May 22, sustained no casualties and 
during the siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 12, wounded 86, total 98." 



22d REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 

THE 22d Ohio Volunteer Infantry was one of the offshoots 
of the appointment of Major-General John C. Fremont to 
the command of the Western Department. Its place of organi- 
zation w^as Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, Missouri. Al- 
though officered by Ohio men, and its ranks filled mainly from 
the counties of the "Buckeye State," it was organized originally 
under the name of the 13th Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and 
mustered into the service November 5, 1861. It started to 
the field as a Missouri regiment, on the 26th of January, 1862, 
with the colonel, three of the other field officers, and eight of 
the captains from Ohio. 



50 Ohio at Vicksburg 

On the 26th of January, 1862, the regiment received 
orders to proceed by rail and transports to Cairo, 111., and there 
report to Brigadier-General Grant, then commanding that 
district. On its arrival at Cairo it was met by orders to pro- 
ceed to Smithland, Ky., reporting to Colonel Lanman, com- 
manding that post. On its arrival at Smithland, the men had 
barely time to get camp and garrison equipage to the place 
selected for their camp, when orders came to prepare three 
days' rations and march in light order to support a cavalry 
reconnoissance then in progress toward Fort Henry. This 
movement was made on the 31st of January. After marching 
nearly two days the cavalry force was met on its return, and 
the next morning the regiment started back to Smithland, having 
carried out the intent of their instructions. This march was 
the first experience of the regiment in field service, and, owing 
to a sudden change of weather from summer to winter, its 
initiation was quite severe. 

Orders were found awaiting the regiment at Smithland 
to proceed by transports up the Tennessee river, as a part of 
the investing force against Fort Henry. It was found, however, 
on its arrival at Fort Henry that General Grant was already in 
possession of that fort, and was busily engaged in organizing 
the army for an attack on Fort Donelson. In the organization 
of this force the 13th Missouri was brigaded in General C. F. 
Smith's Division. In the first attack the position of the regi- 
ment was near the left of the line, and as the heavy fighting took 
place on the right they were not exposed to much danger. 
On the 15th, when General Smith assaulted the enemy's works 
on the right, the regiment was in position near the center, two 
miles from the point of assault. Receiving orders to report at 
once to the left the men dropped their knapsacks, blankets, 
overcoats, in fact everything but their arms and ammunition, 
and reported on the "double-quick" to the general. Lan- 
man's Brigade had charged, and were now holding the outer 
works under a storm of grape and canister from the enemy's 
heavy batteries. 

Night found the regiment in a position to support Lanman. 
During the night orders came directing the regiment to prepare 
for storming the batteries at daybreak of the ensuing morning. 
The dawn found the regiment in front of Lanman's advanced 
position. Everything was in readiness, and all ears anxiously 



22D Ohio Infantry 51 

waiting to hear the signal to charge given. But the Rebel 
batteries were silent, eliciting many surmises as to the reason. 
Presently a sound from the interior of the fort attracted all 
eyes in that direction — the white flag of surrender was dis- 
covered floating from the principal w^ork. 

After occupying the fort for a few days orders were received 
to proceed to Clarksville, thence to Nashville, thence back to 
Clarksville. From Clarksville the next move was to Pittsburg 
Landing, where the regiment arrived on the 20th of March. 
It lay in camp until the morning of the 6th of April, the day of 
the commencement of the battle of Shiloh, when it was ordered 
into line of battle. The numerical force of the regiment at 
this time was 450 ofiicers and men. During the two days of 
that well-contested battle the regiment was warmly engaged, 
and lost in killed and wounded 89 ofiicers and men. Early 
in the first day's fight the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel St. James 
fell mortally wounded. (About this time several changes 
occurred in the stafi^. Major C. W. Anderson resigned, and 
Captains Wright and Wood were promoted, the first to the 
position of lieutenant-colonel, the latter to that of major. 
Surgeon Bell had resigned, and his place filled by Dr. Henry 
E. Foote, of Cincinnati.) 

In the slow and tedious advance on Corinth, succeeding 
the battle of Shiloh, the regiment was continually in the front, 
and on the evacuation of Corinth by the enemy marched with 
the army to Booneville, Miss., in pursuit and then returned to 
Corinth. 

On the 7th of July, 1862, the Secretary of War, recognizing 
the absurdity of designating the regiment by an erroneous title, 
issued an order transferring the 13th Missouri Volunteers to 
the State of Ohio, to be named the 22d Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 

The long sojourn of our troops at Corinth was terminated 
about the 17th of September, 1862. At that time the 22d 
Ohio moved with the army upon luka. Miss., where the Rebel 
General, Price, was in force. Nothing of interest, however, 
occurred on this expedition, that is, so far as the regiment was 
concerned. 

On the i6th of September, 1862, Colonel Crafts J. Wright 
and Lieutenant-Colonel Wright tendered their resignations, 
which were accepted. This left the regiment under the com- 
mand of Major Wood. 



52 Ohio at Vicksbujig 

October 3 came before the calm was broken at Corinth. 
On that memorable day the Rebel Generals, Price and Van 
Dorn, appeared before the place, eager to secure the post of 
Corinth and the vast supplies collected there. The Rebels 
were confident of an easy victory and the capture of the place. 
Major-General Rosecrans, commanding the National forces, 
was perfect master of the situation. He allowed the over- 
confident Rebels to precipitate themselves completely within 
the trap he had so ingeniously prepared for them, and although 
the enemy at one time threatened to "carry off the trap," they 
were soundly thrashed, and sent reeling into the swamps and 
bayous of Mississippi. The 22d did not participate in this 
sanguinary struggle, having been detailed for post duty. The 
regiment joined in the pursuit of the Rebels, but, like the whole 
army engaged in that fruitless race, gained no laurels. 

Two months passed away without action. In December 
1862, the Rebel General, Forrest, made a raid upon the Mobile 
and Ohio Railroad, one of the channels of communications of 
luka with the outer world. By mistake the 22d was sent to 
look after Forrest, supposing the regiment belonged to the 
Ohio brigade. The error was not rectified before reaching 
Trenton, at which place it was left as garrison and railroad 
guard. Again occurred a quiet of two or three months, nothing 
more exciting occurring than an occasional scout for guerrillas, 
from which the detachments sent out generally returned 
successful. Whilst at Trenton a detachment of the 22d 
captured the notorious guerrilla chief. Colonel Dawson, who 
afterwards died in the Alton (111.) penitentiary. 

March II, 1863, brought orders for the regiment to 
evacuate the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and report at Jackson, 
Tenn. It was ordered back to Corinth April 29, and returned 
to Jackson, Tenn., May 3, 1863. May 29 it was ordered to 
move by rail to Memphis, and on arrival there found prepara- 
tions being made to move to the vicinity of Vicksburg. On the 
1st of June the regiment embarked on transports for Haines' 
Bluff, on the Yazoo river. It arrived there on the 3d of June, 
and was engaged in throwing up earthworks until July 16, 
when orders were received to report at Helena, Arkansas. 
General Steele was engaged at this point in organizing the 
Army of the Arkansas. The 22d Ohio was made part of this 
organization, and on the 13th of August, 1863, left Helena 



22D Ohio Infantry 53 

with the army for Little Rock. After marching 29 days the 
National forces entered the capital of Arkansas with but 
slight difficulty, the cavalry arm of the expedition bearing the 
brunt of all opposition. 

The occupation of Little Rock occurred on September 10, 
1863, and from that time to October 28 the 22d remained there, 
w^hen orders were issued for the regiment to proceed to Browns- 
ville, Arkansas, to aid in guarding the railroad connecting Little 
Rock and Duvall's Bluff. Nearly one year was consumed 
in this duty, remaining at Brownsville from October 30, 1863, 
until October 26, 1864. During the whole of this time nothing 
of importance occurred, with the exception of a few dashes 
after guerrillas. These outlaws were peculiarly brutal in 
Arkansas — veritable murderers — real Cain-marked scoundrels, 
who scrupled at nothing in the way of cruelty and outrage. 
The 22d, as a general thing, did not bring in any prisoners 
when returning from such expeditions. A portion of the time 
the regiment was on this duty 160 of the men were mounted. 

In February, 1864, 105 officers and men reenlisted as 
veterans. Captains Craighan and Miner, with Lieutenants 
Whitehead, Pollock and Buxton, making up the list of officers 
remainino; with the detachment. Beside the veterans there 
were 89 recruits. On the 26th of October, 1864, the regiment 
received orders to report at Camp Dennison, Ohio, to com- 
plete their record, and be mustered out of the service. The 
same locomotive which drew the regiment from its first camp 
of rendezvous at St. Louis, also drew it from Little Rock to 
Duvall's Bluff, and when the regiment reached the mouth of 
White river they embarked on the steamer Continental, the 
same boat that carried them into service. 

The regiment arrived in Cincinnati November 7, 1864, and 
proceeded at once to Camp Dennison, where, on the 1 8th of 
November, it was mustered out of service, completing its term 
of three years and a few days over. 

This regiment sustained its casualties at Shiloh, April 6, 7, 
1862. In that engagement it lost 10 killed, 70 wounded 
and I missing, total 81. 



54 Ohio at Vicksburg 

list of battles. 

Fort Donelson, Tenn Feb. 14-16, 1862 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 7, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (siege of) April 30-May 30, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (battle of) October 3, 4, 1862 

Little Rock, Ark. (occupation of). .September 10, 1863 
Vicksburg (siege ojf) .June 4 to July 4, 1863 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 22d Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This regiment served on the exterior line, at or near 
Haynes' Bluff, from June 4, 1863, until the end of the siege, 
July 4, without reported casualties." 



30th REGIMENT OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER 
INFANTRY. 

Record by Sergeant Joseph B. Allen. 

THE 30th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp 
Chase. Ohio, on the 28th day of August, 1861, and im- 
mediately armed and equipped, and on the 30th ordered to 
the field. The next day found the regiment at Benwood, Va., 
and on the 2d of September it reached Clarksburg. 

On the 6th of September the regiment joined Rosecrans' 
army at Sutton, Va. Here Companies D, F, G, and I were 
ordered to remain and the other companies marched toward 
Summersville. Two companies, C and E, were left at Big 
Birch Bottoms, the remainder of the regiment moved to 
Carnifex ferry, where a sharp engagement took place; during 
the night the enemy withdrew to Sewell Mountain. A con- 
siderable amount of arms fell into the hands of the regiment. 
A stand of colors, on which was inscribed "Floyd's Brigade; 
the price of liberty is the blood of the brave," was secured by 
the 30th. After a rest of ten days, the regiment moved to 
Sewell Mountain, but further advance was rendered im- 
practicable by the condition of the roads, and the army fell 
back to the Falls of Gauley; this position was called Camp 



30TH Ohio Infantry 55 

Ewing; the enemy took position on Cotton Mountain, and 
annoyed the troops with artillery. The brigade to which the 
30th was attached crossed the river, advanced upon the enemy, 
and drove him from his position, and pursued him 12 miles 
beyond Fayette Court House; the regiment entered Fayette- 
ville on the 14th of November, and quartered in deserted houses. 

The detachment at Sutton frequently engaged in expedi- 
tions against bushwhackers; in various skirmishes two men 
of the 30th were killed and quite a number wounded. 

On the 23d of December the detachment at Sutton joined 
the regiment at Fayetteville, and on the 25th the regiment 
held its first dress parade. The regiment spent the time 
during the winter working upon fortifications; several of the 
companies were sent to different outposts. 

On March 10, 1862, these companies returned to Fayette- 
ville, at which time the 30th and 2 sections of McMuUen's 
Battery comprised the entire force at this point. 

On the 17th of April, the regiment removed to Raleigh, 
and from there to Princeton, and on the loth resumed march 
to Giles Court House; at noon information was received that 
the troops at the latter place had been attacked, and were 
falling back; the men unslung knapsacks and pushed rapidly 
forward, joining the 23d Ohio at the Narrows of New river. 
They had marched twenty miles in five hours, but arrived too 
late, as the gate leading to the country beyond had been closed 
by the enemy; here for eight days the allowance for rations 
was one cracker with a small allowance of sugar and coffee to 
each man. Early on the morning of May 17, the regiment 
fell back to Princeton, and on the following day encamped on 
summit of Great Flat Top Mountain; being without tents, the 
men stripped the bark from large chestnut trees, from which 
huts were constructed that furnished shelter. On the i6th of 
August the regiment started to join Pope's army in eastern 
Virginia, and reached Brownstown on the Big Kanawha river, 
on the 19th, having carried knapsacks and marched 95 miles 
in three and one half days, and were glad to leave the moun- 
tains, and when the band played "Get Out of the Wilderness," 
as it came down Cotton Mountain to the river, deafening 
cheers showed the hit was duly appreciated. 

The regiment was transported to Parkersburg, where it 
took cars for the East, passing through Washington City on 



56 Ohio at Vicksburg 

the 23d of August, and went into camp that night at Warrenton 
Junction, Va. Three days later, the right wing reported for 
guard duty at General Pope's headquarters, the left wing to 
follow as soon as relieved from picket. 

General Pope's headquarters were moved to Centerville, 
and the left wing followed in Robertson's Brigade. The left 
wing participated in the 2d Battle of Bull Run, and was ex- 
posed to a heavy artillery fire. General Robertson, in his 
ofiicial report, says: "It moved forward under a heavy fire from 
the enemy's batteries in good order, as upon parade." The 
left wing joined the right at General Pope's headquarters on 
August 31. 

The regiment joined the brigade at Upton Hills on the 
3d of September. It broke camp on the 6th, marching through 
Washington City, and on the I2th came in view of Fredrick 
City, Maryland. 

The 30th deployed, moved by the flank above the city, 
waded the Monocacy, and, converging into the line of battle, 
entered the city. 

The regiment arrived at South Mountain on the 14th of 
September, and engaged the enemies' skirmishes at 9 o'clock 
a. m. The enemy opened fire upon the regiment from a battery 
behind a stone fence, killing and wounding several men. The 
regiment lay under a heavy artillery fire several hours, and 
advanced against the enemy behind a stone fence at 4 o'clock 
p. m. 

The line of the enemy advanced at the same time, and a 
severe engagement followed, lasting three-quarters of an hour. 
The regiment bravely stood its ground, losing 18 killed and 48 
wounded. The regiment moved from South Mountain, and 
went into camp below Keedysville, remained there during the 
1 6th, exposed to a heavy artillery fire, moved in the evening, 
camped at night in sight of Burnside bridge. 

The next morning, the 17th, the regiment moved to the 
left front, forded Antietam Creek waist deep, and moved up 
toward Burnside's bridge, which was then in our possession; 
was then ordered forward on the double-quick to a stone wall, 
about a third of a mile in advance. It was necessary to pass 
through a 20 acre cornfield, in order to reach the wall. When 
the line had advanced as far as the field of corn, the men were 
almost exhausted, and, for want of proper support the left 



30TH Ohio Infantry 57 

wing of the regiment was unprotected. General A. P. Hill's 
Rebel Division came down with crushing force on the exposed 
flank; the regiment was thrown into some confusion in en- 
deavoring to execute a movement by the right flank in order to 
avoid the blow. This regiment was engaged here about 
5 p. m. The National colors were torn in fourteen places by 
shot and shell. Both color bearers were killed. Sergeant 
White defiantly waved the flag in the face of the enemy until he 
was killed. Sergeant Carter, in his death agony, held the 
flagstaff^ so firmly that it could with difficulty be taken from 
his hand. Our loss was 3 oflficers and 10 men killed, and i 
oflftcer and 48 men wounded, 2 oflScers and 16 men taken 
prisoners; total 80 men. 

On the 8th of October the regiment was ordered back 
to West Virginia. Crossed the Potomac at Hancock, Mary- 
land, in pursuit of General Stewart's Cavalry, into Pennsyl- 
vania. On the I2th the regiment returned to Hancock and 
continued the western journey. On the 13th of November 
arrived at Cannelton, on the Kanawha, where we erected 
winter quarters, during which time it did some scouting in 
and about Logan Court House, capturing many horses and 
quite a number of prisoners. Late in December the regiment 
was ordered to join General Grant's fleet for Vicksburg, em- 
barking on steamers, reaching Louisville, Ky., on the 3d of 
January, 1863, and there encamped several days, after which it 
embarked for Memphis and Vicksburg, and upon arrival was 
assigned to General Sherman's 15th Army Corps. Remained 
in camp at Young's Point, La., several weeks. Many move- 
ments were made by the regiment, both on the Mississippi and 
Yazoo rivers. On April 17, Lieutenants O'Neill and Cham- 
berlain, with a crew from the regiment, took full charge of the 
steamer Silver Wave, and successfully ran the blockade, only 
one shot from the enemy's guns striking the vessel, and that 
without efi^ect. On the 29th of April the regiment was ordered 
to Haines' Bluffs to make a diversion against that point. Re- 
turned to camp on the 8th of May. Was ordered to Grand 
Gulf, below Vicksburg, on the Mississippi river, on the loth of 
May, and took up the march to Vicksburg northward, by way of 
Rocky Springs, Raymond and Champion's Hill. 

On the 1 8th of May, near midnight, the regiment arrived 
in the rear of Vicksburg, in front of Fort Defiance, on the old 



58 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Graveyard road, one of the principal roads leading to Vicks- 
burg. On the 19th of May the regiment participated in the 
first grand assault upon the works around Vicksburg. The 
charge being unsuccessful, the regiment was compelled to fall 
back. On the morning of the 22d the regiment led the second 
assault on General Sherman's front against the stockade 
redan on the Graveyard road. The flag was placed on the 
enemy's parapet and guarded there until night enabled the 
troops to retire. A forlorn hope made up of volunteers from 
the division led by Captains Groce and O'Neill, preceded the 
regiment in the charge upon the fort, and were compelled to 
remain in the ditches of the fort, exposed to hand grenades, 
thrown by the enemy, during the day. 

From the beginning and during the forty-seven days' 
siege, the regiment lost 61 officers and men killed and wounded. 

Immediately after the surrender the National Army, 
under command of General Sherman, moved at once upon the 
enemy under Joseph E. Johnston, and drove him eastward to 
Jackson and beyond, after which the regiment went into camp 
on Black river, July 23d. 

The regiment left camp September 26, and embarked at 
Vicksburg, and moved up the river to Memphis. Regiment 
left Memphis October 4, and encamped at Brown's ferry, 
ten miles from Chattanooga on the 20th of November. On the 
25th it assisted in an assault, which carried outer line of the 
enemy's works. Later in the day the 30th made two assaults 
on the enemy's works on Tunnel Hill, but were compelled to 
fall back on account of strong fortifications in front. Its loss 
was 40 men killed and wounded. 

On the 26th of December the regiment was ordered to 
Bellefonte, Ala., and arrived there on the 29th. A few days 
afterward they were ordered to Larkinsville, Ala., where they 
went into winter quarters. The regiment here reenlisted as 
veterans and were furloughed 30 days. After the expiration of 
furlough the regiment joined Sherman's army for the Atlantic 
campaign. During this campaign the regiment was con- 
tinually under fire and engaged in all the principal battles 
between Chattanooga and Atlanta. 

The regiment started on the 15th of November on Sher- 
man's march through Georgia to the sea, and on the 13th of 
December was in front of Fort McAllister, on the Ogeechee 



30TH Ohio Infantry 59 

river, and the same day the fort was taken by assault in a hand 
to hand conflict. The 30th was specially mentioned in General 
Hazen's official report. 

On the 17th of January the regiment embarked on the 
steamer Cosmopolitan and went into camp at Beaufort, South 
Carolina, on January 18, 1865. 

The regiment moved northward on January 26, on the 
campaign of the Carolinas, wading swamps and streams, one 
of the former being a mile wide and waist deep, at North 
Edisto river; passed through Columbia, S. C, and went into 
camp on the west side of the Congaree river. 

After a severe engagement north of Columbia on February 
17, halted near Bentonville, N. C. At this place there raged a 
severe battle of two days, in which the 30th lost quite a number 
of men. The regiment marched through Goldsboro to Raleigh, 
N. C, where it remained until the 29th of April, and then took 
up the march northward, by way of Richmond to Washington, 
and on May 21 the regiment reached the south end of Long 
bridge at Washington. On May 24 it participated in the 
Grand Review down Pennsylvania avenue. 

On June 2, 1865, the regiment was ordered to Louisville, 
Ky. On June 25 it embarked at Louisville for Little Rock, 
Ark., where it remained until August 13, when it was ordered 
home, and immediately embarked, arriving at Columbus on 
the 2 1st of August, 1865. 

The regiment was paid and discharged on the 22d of 
August, 1865. This regiment traveled as such, during its 
term of service, a distance of 13,200 miles. 

Total officers and men, including all recruits, during the 
war were 1,036. 

Killed and died from wounds received in battle: Officers 
9; enlisted men 132; total 141. 

Died from disease: Enlisted men, 153; total deaths 294. 

During its term of service, the regiment bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Carnifax ferry, W. Va Sept. 10, 1861 

South Mountain, Md Sept. 14, 1862 

Antietam, Md Sept. 17, 1862' 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of and 

assaults) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 



6o Ohio at Vicksburg 

Mission Ridge, Tenn November 25, 1863 

Dallas, Ga May 25 to June 4, 1862 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. (general 

assault) June 27, 1864 

Nickajack Creek, Ga July 2-5, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's first sortie). ...July 22, 1864 
Atlanta, Ga.(Ezra Chapel, or sec- 
ond sortie) July 28, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. 2, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga Aug. 31, and Sept. 2, 1864 

Fort McAllister, Ga December 13, 1864 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 30th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry in Vicksburg 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the assault. May 19, wounded 19. In the assault. 
May 22, killed 6, wounded 42, missing 2; total 51. Captain 
Thomas Hayes killed; Lieut. Hiram J. Davis mortally 
wounded. And during the siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege : killed 6, wounded 52, missing 2, total 60. " 



32d REGIMENT OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER 
INFANTRY. 

By E. Z. Hays, K Co. 

WHEN recruiting began for the formation of a regiment 
that became the 32d O. V. I., the excitement incident to 
the outbreaking of a war had had time to subside. The men who 
responded to the first call for 300,000 volunteers were not 
swayed by excitement nor by any consideration but that of 
true patriotism. Armed rebellion had shown its ugly head and 
they did not pause to ask why. They realized the magnitude 
of the enterprise upon which they were about to embark; they 
were conscious of the dangers that awaited them. Of this 



32D Ohio Infantry 6i 

first 300,000 the 32d was a part, how important a part let her 
services show, and let the same standard measure the patriotism 
of its individual parts. 

The organizing of the regiment began about August 20, 
1861, at Camp Bartley, near Mansfield, Ohio, and was com- 
pleted at Camp Dennison, Ohio, by September 7, next following. 

Our first field officers were: Colonel, Thos. H. Ford; 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Ebenezer H. Sweeny; Major, Sylvester 
M. Hewitt; Surgeon, John W. Mowry; Assistant Surgeon, 
Silas E. Sheldon; Chaplain, Wm. H. Nickerson; Adjutant, 
Robert F. Jackson; Quartermaster, Robert H. Bentley. 

Company A was recruited from Carroll, Columbiana, 
Stark and Mahoning Counties, but principally from the first- 
named, and was mustered in at Camp Bartley, near Mans- 
field, Ohio, August 27, 1861. 

Company B was recruited chiefly in Union and Cham- 
paign Counties, and was mustered into the service August 20, 
1 86 1, at Camp Dennison, Ohio, from where it was sent to Camp 
Bartley. 

Company C-w^as recruited principally in Knox County, 
Ohio, although about 20 men came from Allen County. Mus- 
tered in at Camp Bartley, August 31. 

Company D came chiefly from Richland, Huron and 
Stark Counties. Mustered in at Camp Bartley, August 27, 
1861. 

Company E was recruited at Mansfield, Ohio, its members 
being largely of Richland County, though there were a few 
from Crawford and Wayne. Mustered in at Camp Bartley 
August 27, 1 86 1. 

Company F. There were two companies in the regiment 
that were known as F. This, the first of those, was recruited 
chiefly in Carroll County and mustered into the service August 
30, 1861, at Camp Bartley. It constituted a part of the regi- 
ment until December 22, 1863, when it was permanently 
detached and became the 26th Independent Battery, Ohio 
Light Artillery. At the battle of Champion's Hill, Miss., a 
battery (the ist Mississippi) was captured by this regiment 
and manned by this (F) company. During the siege it was 
known as "Captain Yost's captured battery" and did most 
excellent service, one section occupied the most advanced, as 
well as one of the most hazardous positions on the investment 
line. See History 26 Independent Battery O. L. A. 



62 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Company F the second. When the first company F was 
regularly detached, a detail consisting of two lieutenants and 
one sergeant was sent North to recruit a company to fill the 
vacancy caused by this detachment. These recruits came 
from divers counties. The new company was organized at 
Cairo, 111., and mustered in at that place in April, 1864. 

Company G rendezvoused in the Fair grounds at Zanes- 
ville, Ohio, which they designated as Camp Goddard, and 
consisted in the main of Muskingum County citizens, although 
a few were drawn from Licking and Perry Counties. Its 
first Captain, William D. Hamilton, was transferred to the 9th 
O. V. C. as its colonel, and ultimately reached the rank of 
brigadier-general. 

Company H was organized in the country round about 
Lima, Ohio, and it is probable the greater part of its men were 
from that locality, but at this writing there is no official data 
upon that point accessible to the writer. It was mustered in 
at Camp Dennison, Ohio, September 5, 1861. 

Company I was recruited from Richland, Van Wert, 
Paulding, Ashland and Delaware Counties, was mustered in 
at Camp Dennison, Ohio, September 7. 

Company K was organized almost entirely from Coshoc- 
ton County citizens, possibly half a dozen were from beyond 
the lines of that county. It rendezvoused at Coshocton, 
August 20, and went from there on the 29th, to Camp Bartley, 
where it was mustered in August 31. 

Of the first line officers of these several companies, a 
number quit the service after an experience of a few months, 
some of those from inability to withstand the rigors of camp 
life, others, probably, because they realized it was going to be 
a life of trials and dangers, whilst others were assured that their 
resignations would be accepted without any regrets. As a 
rule the best officers of the regiment were in the ranks at the 
time of its organization. 

From Camp Bartley the companies mustered were, about 
the 2d of September, i86i,transferredto Camp Dennison, where 
the complement of ten companies was made up. We lay at 
this camp learning the "art of war," until the 15th of September 
when because General R. E. Lee had made an attack on Cheat 
Mountain Summit, we were put aboard cars and started for 
the mountains of Virginia. At Benwood, Va. (now W. Va.), 



32D Ohio Infantry 63 

we received our first guns, old Harper's Ferry flint locks 
changed to percussion cap, an arm that could always be relied 
on to do vigorous "kicking" and little damage at the muzzle 
end. It was our good luck that we were not called on for any 
hard fighting with this weapon — if it could be dignified by that 
appellation — yet the enemy evinced as wholesome fear of the 
old fusee as of a better arm, possibly because there was no telling 
where its lead might strike, no matter at what it was pointed. 

The regiment went by rail to Webster, W. Va., from where 
it began its first march, passing through Phillippi to Beverly, 
where a couple of days were spent, there being no necessity 
for haste, as Lee's attack on Cheat Mountain Summit had 
failed and his force had been withdrawn. 

The regimental comrades will always vividly recall our 
first night alarm which came one of the nights we spent at 
Beverly, the county seat of Randolph County. Whether some 
one really believed an armed force was coming to wipe 
us off the face of the earth, or the call to arms was made to 
test the temper of the boys, the privates never knew, but how- 
ever it may have been brought about, we fell in with com- 
mendable promptitude, in a fairly straight line, and although 
doubtless many hearts struggled upward, yet no one ran away. 
On September 25 we reached Cheat Mountain Summit and 
went into camp outside the fortifications, in the most advanced 
position of any troops defending the pass. 

At this time, the first of the war, it was deemed important 
that this pass should be held at " all hazards," a theory exploded 
later on, but not in time to save the 32d and several other 
regiments from the severe weather of the winter of 186 1-2, on 
the top of that wind-swept mountain, where men and mules 
froze to death, and where our pickets dug holes in the ground, 
burned wood in them during the day, then stood astride of 
them wrapped in their blankets whilst doing their tricks of 
guard duty at night. 

A saw mill was finally sent to the mountain and men 
detailed to carry saw logs to it, whilst fifteen twohorse teams 
luxuriated on good succulent oats and fine hay, in comfortable 
stables at the western foot of the mountain. The ideas some 
officers had of how to care for soldiers, promote their health, 
comfort and efficiency were, in those days, truly marvelous. 

The sudden and frequent changes of temperature from 



64 Ohio at Vicksburg 

moderate spring weather to several degrees below zero, the 
humidity of the atmosphere when not intensely cold, severe 
duty in all kinds of weather, living and sleeping in Bell tents, 
in squads so large that when one bunky turned in the one bunk, 
all the squad was involved, necessarily resulted in much sick- 
ness, and many a young patriot passed over that river from 
the banks of which no traveler returns. Finally, about the 
time good barracks had been completed, the regiment was 
removed to Beverly where we were much more comfortable. 
All in all, the winter of 1861-2 was the hardest of all our serv- 
ice. 

General Reynolds commanded the district of which Camp 
Cheat Mountain was a part. General Milroy, a brave but 
eccentric officer, whose greatest delight was in leading a dash 
at the enemy's pickets, was second in command. 

A Rebel force was, in the fall of 1861, at "Camp Green- 
briar,'' about 15 miles southeast of Cheat Mountain pass. 
Milroy determined on an attack, and assembled his force for 
this purpose at Cheat Mountain. The movement began the 
night of October 2, and was intended to be a surprise, the 32d 
in advance as far as the Gum road, where we were left to 
guard against any force coming in on Milroy's rear. 

No 32d veteran ever forgot that night march along the 
pine-clad mountain side, where the giants of the forest with 
interlocking branches shut out every twinkle of every star and 
arrested every moonbeam, making the darkness jet black. 
As we moved through this almost palpable darkness there 
came down from the mountain side the hoo ! hoo ! hoo- hoo- hoo- 
of a mountain owl. Its call was taken up and repeated by 
others, and as we nervously plodded on, by yet others, until 
the voices were swallowed up in the distance where the blood- 
thirsty foe awaited in grim silence (in our minds) to welcome 
us with bloody hand to inhospitable graves. It made cold 
chills run up our backs. 

The foe at Camp Greenbriar was not surprised, a little 
fighting was done at a fairly safe distance; Milroy's force 
returned in the afternoon to their camps, the rear protected 
by the 32d Ohio. 

The enemy left "Camp Greenbriar" and fixed himself 
in Camp Baldwin on the crest of Allegheny Mountain. 

December 5 the 32d went back to Beverly with a long list 



32D Ohio Infantry 65 

of sick. A few days after, Milroy assembled his forces for an 
attack on the enemy in his new position. Captain Hamilton, 
of Company G, a brave and able officer, was permitted by 
Colonel Ford to take on this expedition such of the regiment as 
would volunteer. He marched for the rendezvous with about 
200 men, many of whom feared the war would end and we would 
never hear the whistle of an enemy's bullet. The captain 
reported to General Milroy at Cheat Mountain pass, from 
where the force moved December 13. 

By reason of the flanking wing being misguided, and 
not reaching the field, the expedition failed but the 32d contin- 
gent got to hear the whistle of vengeful bullets and had several 
men wounded. Reid's "Ohio in the War" says, "In his 
report General Milroy complimented the regiment very highly 
on its gallantry and good conduct in its charge into the camp 
of the enemy." 

Returning, the remainder of the winter was passed at 
Beverly from where some unimportant scouting was done. 
During the time a number of our line officers left us. 

We returned to Cheat Mountain on March 15 (excepting 
Company G, which was left for guard duty at Beverly), got 
good Austrian rifles for our old altered muskets and started 
with Milroy on the spring campaign, April 5, the 32d in advance. 
Reaching McDowell w^e halted until May 5, when the 32d was 
thrown beyond the mountain to a point about 10 miles west of 
Staunton. Here, on the morning of the 8th, we were almost 
surrounded by Stonewall Jackson's Division, but, by a rapid 
unincumbered march, we beat him to the mountain summit 
over which we passed as the foe was coming out of the brush 
half a mile to our right. Milroy's entire command returned to 
McDowell, Jackson following. The morning of May 8, 
Schenck united with Milroy, and being the ranking officer took 
chief command. Jackson was in a commanding position of 
his own selection, and there Schenck attacked him with an 
inferior force. The 32d fought on the extreme right, where, 
unsupported, it charged Jackson's entire division in trenches 
on the crest of the high hill he occupied. The 32d remained 
on the field until it was so dark we fired at the flashlight of the 
enemy's guns. 

At about one o'clock of the morning of the 9th Schenck 
marched for Franklin, followed in the morning by a light 



66 Ohio at Vicksburg 

force of cavalry, whilst General Jackson faced about, jumped 
on to Banks and drove him out of the Shenandoah Valley. 

At Franklin, Schenck's command met Fremont with about 
12,000 men. May 25 this force moved for Strausburg, by 
way of Moorefield, to intercept Jackson, which would have 
been accomplished had not Fremont made a day's unnecessary 
halt, so that his advance, the 32d, struck the pike at Straus- 
burg when Jackson's rear guard was yet in sight. 

Fremont chased Jackson, skirmishing frequently as far 
as Cross Keys, where he was forced to turn and fight and 
though the engagement was quite severe, it was not decisive. 
In the night Jackson stole across the Shenandoah at Port 
Republic, and the next morning we saw him, with his very 
superior forces pounding the life out of one of Shield's Brigades, 
and we powerless to render any assistance, Jackson having 
very discreetly burned the bridge that carried him safely over 
the swollen swirling river by which we were halted. 

We returned down the valley, going first to Middletown, 
Va., where Company G rejoined the regiment, thence to Win- 
chester, thence to Harper's Ferry, where we were traitorously 
surrendered by General Miles, Our loss in the defense of 
that ill-fated post was 150 oflScers and men killed and wounded. 
With judgment and a loyal disposition thereto, the place could 
have been easily held, or we could have marched out with the 
cavalry when they escaped the night before the surrender. 

There was no 32d Ohio flag among the trophies of war 
acquired by the Confederacy at Harper's Ferry. Our flag 
the color bearer wrapped about his body and in this way passed 
through the enemy's lines. When a few miles on our way to 
Annapolis, Md., it was brought out, fastened to a stout pole, 
and again given to be kissed by the free winds, untarnished 
by surrender. The ringing shout that welcomed it, told how 
well its followers loved it. 

The 32d was sent to parole camp at Chicago. "The boys" 
were incensed at being rushed through Ohio, put in camp and 
not permitted to visit their friends and almost to a man they 
took "french leave." 

Being exchanged, the men with a very few exceptions 
reported to Camp Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio, where the regi- 
ment was reorganized. There now took place many changes 
in the field and line officers. Captain B. F. Potts of 



32D Ohio Infantry 67 

F Company became colonel; R. H. Bently was promoted from 
quartermaster . to lieutenant-colonel, and Captain A. M. 
Crumbecker of A Company was made major. Only Company 
C had the same- company commander as before the reorganiza- 
tion. 

January 20, 1863, we started for Memphis, Tenn., arriving 
on the 28th, and became a part of the 3d Brigade, 3d Division, 
17th Army Corps commanded respectively by Generals J. D. 
Stevenson, J. A. Logan and J. B. McPherson. 

We reached the front at Lake Providence, La., with our 
division, February 28. March 21, because of the overflow 
from the Mississippi being let into the lake, we removed ten 
miles north. On the 26th, with other troops, we attempted to 
move inland, but high waters forced us back. April 26 we- 
went down to Milliken's Bend. Whilst lying here, fully 
three-fourths of the regiment volunteered to run the Vicks- 
burg batteries on the transports, but only nine were accepted. 
Believing the names of these men are particularly worthy of 
commemoration in a history of the campaign and siege of 
Vicksburg, they are here given, to wit: John Brobst and 
William Hudnut of Company E; Nels Croft, George W. Kel- 
dow, Frank Keys and George W. Bentley of Company G; 
Adam Carnes, Thomas C. Seward and George W. Seward of 
Company K. These men remained with their several vessels 
and ran the Grand Gulf batteries on the night of April 29. 
All these adventurous men passed the two blockades unscathed, 
but Thomas C. Seward went down at his post when the trans- 
port Horizon collided with the Moderator, when transporting 
troops to the eastern side of the river. 

April 25 we started with our corps on the Vicksburg 
campaign. Our (3d) brigade crossed the Mississippi im- 
mediately after the 13th Corps, April 30. The next day we 
took part in the Port Gibson fight, the flanking movement of 
our brigade hastening the enemy's withdrawal. We took part 
in the battle at Raymond but suffered no loss being partici- 
pants in a flank movement that did not reach its destination 
until the foe had fled. 

At Jackson on the 14th, Logan's Division supported 
Crocker, excepting our brigade, which was moved toward 
the left front, threatening the enemy's line of retreat over 
Pearl river, of which he soon availed himself. 



68 Ohio at Vicksburg 

The next morning we retraced our steps and that night 
camped on the right of Hovey's position, our front well picketed 
to guard against any flank movement, as the enemy was known 
to be in force not far in front. 

The morning of May i6 Logan's Division followed closely 
after Hovey and went into line of battle on his right. After 
some hard fighting by the ist and 2d Brigades, 3d Division, 
the 3d Brigade charged across a very difficult ravine and up 
Champion's Hill, the 32d capturing entire the ist Mississippi 
Battery of six guns, which Logan, on the field, turned over to 
Company F. This brilliant achievement turned the enemy's 
left and the ist and 2d Brigades doing some grand fighting 
at this time, soon sent the foe in hasty retreat through woods 
and fields in the general direction of Black River bridge; 
the 3d Brigade following until dark, capturing in the charge 
and pursuit, over 1,300 prisoners. 

Our next fighting was on May 19 between the Shirley 
House and the 3d Louisiana redan, then known to us as 
"Fort Hill, ' ' where we lost one man killed and several wounded. 

In the assault of May 22 we were in support of the 8th 
Illinois, but when we reached our most advanced position 
there were no troops in our front to support. We lay down 
a hundred yards from the works and remained there until 
dark. Our loss was 24 wounded. 

The 32d shared the fortunes of the division during the 
siege. 

July 3, the 32d was on the firing line near where the 
Confederate officers, General Bowen and Colonel Montgomery, 
came through their lines bearing a white flag. Captain 
Morris of D Company being officer of the day, met them and 
dispatched to General Grant the letter they bore. The meet- 
ing of Generals Grant and Pemberton took place so near our 
front that we could distinguish the features of the assembled 
officers. When Vicksburg fell we marched into the city with 
the division and camped in or near until we went north on 
veteran furlough. Shortly after the surrender we were trans- 
ferred to the 2d Brigade, which then became an Ohio brigade 
consisting of the 20th, 32d, 68th and 78th Ohio regiments, 
Colonel Potts, 32d Ohio, commanding. We liked this ar- 
rangement; our associates were all grand organizations. 

In August about 250 of the regiment, with others, took 



32D Ohio Infantry 69 

part in an expedition, under Colonel Potts, that marched west 
about 50 miles into Louisiana, and back, nothing done. 

On October 14 we, with Logan's entire division made a 
3 days' campaign towards Canton, Miss. Returning, we were 
closely pressed by a greatly superior force until we recrossed 
Black river. 

November 15, 1863, General Logan surrendered the 
command of the 3d Division to General M. D. Leggett, and 
went to take command of the 15th Army Corps. We much 
regretted the loss of General Logan. 

Recruiting for the veteran service began December 7, 
and by January 18, 1864, about 75 per cent had reenlisted and 
the 32d was mustered as a veteran regiment. 

The Meridian, Miss., campaign of the 17th Army Corps 
opened February 3, 1863. The "Ohio Brigade" (the 2d of 
the 3d Division) constituted a part of the force. On the 
morning of the 4th the 2d Brigade being in advance struck 
the enemy, Wirt Adams' Cavalry, well posted on the old 
battlefield of Champion's Hill. The brigade hastened over 
Baker's Creek and formed line. Companies A, B, and K 
were deployed as skirmishers. Captain W. A. McAllister of 
A commanding the line. A spirited skirmish ensued. Captain 
McAllister was soon severely wounded. Lieutenant John Wiley 
of B had been wounded shortly before. The command of 
the line now^ devolved on Lieutenant E. Z. Hays. Soon the 
enemy was dislodged, the 32d skirmishers following closely, 
charging whenever the foe made a stand, driving them through 
Clinton and Jackson so nearly on their heels that they had no 
time to destroy the bridge over Pearl river, which they 
attempted. Our loss was 22 killed and wounded. 

The day we returned to Vicksburg, March 3, we started 
north on veteran furlough, after which, with many recruits, 
we joined Sherman at Rome, Ga., and first went into line of 
battle in the Atlanta campaign at Big Shanty, Ga., and there- 
after participated in every important movement and battle 
until the fall of Atlanta. July 22 the enemy attacked us front 
and rear. We jumped our little line of works four times and 
as often drove them back, then as thev came down on our left 
flank, we changed front under a severe fire, and again defeated 
them, when darkness put an end to the struggle. 

When Hood got behind Sherman, we were a part of the 
force that followed him. 



70 Ohio at Vicksburg 

We went with "Sherman to the Sea." On December 
10, being in advance, we assisted in driving the enemy inside 
his works at Savannah, and entered the city on December 21. 

We went from Savannah to PocotaHgo, S. C. February 
I, 1865 we moved north, and with the 13th Iowa were the first 
commands to enter Columbia, the capital of South CaroHna. 
A detachment of the 32d, under Colonel Hibbits, captured 
Fayetteville, N. C, March 10, after a hot fight with Hampton's 
Cavalry. We fought at Bentonville, N. C, March 20 and 
21, visited Raleigh and Goldsborough, N. C, and were 
present at the surrender of Johnston; marched by way of 
Richmond, Va., to Washington D. C; participated in the 
Grand Review through that city, started for Louisville, Ky., 
June 8, 1865; lay there until we were mustered out. 
Went thence to Columbus, Ohio, and on July 27, 1865, received 
final discharge, and pay; our work done, the Union saved after 
four years of active service at the front. 

The 32d went to the front September 15, 1861, 950 strong, 
recruited 1,650 men, making a total mustered during its service 
of 2,610. Of that large number, three fairly good sized regi- 
ments, but 565 remained at muster out. 

We lost in the Vicksburg campaign and siege alone, 250 
men, killed and wounded (counting only such wounded as 
were discharged therefor) and died of disease. 

Reid's "Ohio in the War" says, page 216: "It is believed 
that the regiment (32d Ohio) lost and recruited more men than 
any other from Ohio." 

During its term of service this organization, as a whole, 
took part in the following battles, to wit: 

Greenbrier, W. Va October 3, 1861 

Camp Allegheny, W. Va December 13, 1861 

McDowell, Va May 8, 1862 

Cross Keys, Va June 8, 1862 

Port Republic, Va June 9, 1862 

Harper's Ferry, Va September 12-15, 1862 

Port Gibson, Miss May i, 1863 

Raymond, Miss May 12, 1863 

Jackson, Miss May 14, 1863 

Champion's Hill May 16, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Bakers Creek, Miss February 4, 1864 









S3v 











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-*«*-«fc^~ 



VS^- 




/ ^/v,;- ■ 




37TH Ohio Infantry 71 

Clinton, Miss February 5, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. (general 

assault) June 27, 1864 

Nickajack Creek, Ga July 6-10, 1864 

Peachtree Creek, Ga July 20, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's sortie) July 22, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (seige of) • • . . . .July 22 to Sept. 4, 1864 

Savannah, Ga. (siege of) Dec. 10-21, 1864 

Near Beaufort, S. C January 14, 1865 

Fayetteville, N. C March 13, 1865 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 

In estimating the service of this regiment, account must 
be taken of the many miles traversed in scouting and guerrilla 
hunting in the mountains of Virginia, which was as arduous 
duty as we performed, in almost four years of active service at 
the front. 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 32d Ohio Volunteer Veteran Infantry in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"Port Gibson, May i, no reported casualties. Raymond, 
May 12, no casualties reported. Jackson, May 14, no 
casualties reported. In the battle of Champion's Hill, May 16, 
1863, killed 2, wounded 18, total 20. In the assault. May 19, 
no reported casualties. In the assault. May 22, wounded 
23; and during the siege, not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 2, wounded 41, total 43." 



37th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 
Record by John S. Kountz 

THE 37th Ohio Infantry was enlisted during August and 
September, 1861, under the first call of President Lincoln 
for 300,000 men, and assembled at Camp Brown, near Cleve- 
land. It was a German organization, recruited principally 
in the cities of Cleveland and Toledo. The counties of Au- 
glaize, Franklin, Mahoning, Tuscarawas, Erie, Mercer and 



72 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Wyandot, furnished a number of men. Company C came 
from Auglaize. By the ist of October 800 men were enrolled, 
when the regiment broke camp, proceeded to Camp Dennison, 
where it remained ten days, was mustered into the service and 
armed and equipped. 

An accomplished German officer, Edward Siber, was 
selected as colonel; Louis Von Blessingh, of Toledo, lieuten- 
ant-colonel; and Charles Ankele, of Cleveland, major. Its 
line officers were selected mostly from those who had seen serv- 
ice in some of the three months' regiments. 

The first regimental colors were presented by a number of 
patriotic German ladies of Toledo, headed by Mrs. Peter Lenk. 

From Camp Dennison the regiment moved to Cincinnati 
and embarked on steamers tor Camp Piatt, on the Kanawha 
river, in West Virginia, arriving there and reporting to General 
Rosecrans a few days later. 

At this time the country south of the Kanawha was over- 
run with squads of Confederate cavalry of Jenkins' command, 
who occasionally fired upon passing steamers and then fled to 
the mountains. Colonel Siber, determining, if possible, to 
break up these raids, crossed the river with a part of the regi- 
ment and occupied Brownstown, from which place scouting 
parties from the regiment were sent into the surrounding 
country. One had started out under Captain Charles Hipp, 
with three days' rations, but was soon after recalled by General 
Rosecrans, who considered the expedition too hazardous. 
Upon its return the regiment proceeded to Cannelton, where 
the Union forces were organizing to drive the Confederates, 
under General Floyd, out of the valley. The enemy was 
driven from his position on Cotton Hill and pursued to within 
seven miles of Raleigh C. H. On account of the heavy and 
continued rains it was impossible to move the wagons, while 
the troops waded, sometimes knee deep, through mud and 
water; consequently the further pursuit of Floyd was abandoned. 
Hardships and privations attended this short campaign. Soon 
after the return to Cannelton from this expedition the 37th 
went into winter quarters at Clifton, where drill, discipline, 
guard duty and occasional scouting occupied the time. In 
January, 1862, a portion of the regiment w^ent on an expedition 
to Logan C. H., east of Guyandotte river, where, after a brisk 
skirmish with Confederate cavalry, the place was captured and 



37TH Ohio Infantry 73 

the war material destroyed. In this engagement Captain H. 
Goeka (Company B) and Corporal Behm (Company C) were 
killed. The energetic measures of Colonel Siber resulted in 
the suppression of bands of bushwhackers, many of w^hom came 
into Charleston and took the oath of allegiance. The troops 
later returned to their camp at Clifton. In March, 1862, the 
37th w^as assigned to the 3d Provisional Brigade, Kanawha 
Division, and ordered to accompany the division on a raid to 
the southeastern part of West Virginia, with a view of reaching 
and destroying, if possible, the Virginia and East Tennessee 
Railroad, near Wytheville, Va. May i, 1862, the regiment 
broke camp at Clifton and marched to Loup Creek, where it 
bivouacked for the night. The next morning the march was 
continued to Fayetteville and the following day to Princeton, 
thence to French Mills, arriving at the latter place May 14, 
1862. Meantime, General J. D. Cox, commanding the expe- 
dition, established his headquarters at Princeton, where a 
small garrison, composed of Company K, 37th, under the 
command of Major Ankele, was placed. During the after- 
noon of May 15 the Confederates, under General Humphrey 
Marshall, advanced on Princeton and attacked the garrison, 
which had taken position behind the walls of the burned 
court house. The small force held the Confederates at bay 
until dark, when it was driven from its position, some of the 
men being captured and others scattering to the woods. In 
this engagement Major Ankele was seriously wounded. About 
this time General Cox and staff hastened to join his command 
at French Mills, eleven miles south, which place he reached 
about 9 o'clock p. m. The troops were immediately ordered 
back to Princeton, where, much fatigued, they arrived early 
the following morning. The Confederates had destroyed 
their stores and retired about an hour before the return of 
General Cox's command. The previous day four companies 
of the 37th Ohio, five of the 28th and two of the 34th, under 
command of Lieutenant Colonel* Von Blessingh, were sent 
up the East river and Wytheville road to ascertain the Con- 
federate force at Rocky Gap, and return the following day, 
but on learning that the enemy had attacked and driven the 
Union forces from Princeton, Colonel Von Blessingh was 
ordered to march direct to that place. About 10 o'clock a. 
m. on the i6th, his command came upon the Confederates, 



74 Ohio at Vicksburg 

under General Humphrey Marshall, and after severe fighting, 
in which the four companies of the 37th lost i officer and 13 
men killed, 2 officers and 46 men wounded and 14 missing, 
the command was compelled to retreat. The six companies 
of the 37th which were in Princeton, heard the heavy musketry 
firing, and the troops were eager to go to Von Blessingh's 
assistance. They were not permitted to do so. At 3 o'clock 
the morning of the 17th, the Kanawha Division commenced 
the retrograde movement, and reached Flat Top Mountain the 
19th. What remained of Von Blessingh's command joined 
the division at Blue Stone river. 

The regiment continued in camp on Flat Top Mountain 
until August I, when it was ordered to Raleigh C. H., where 
it remained for three weeks, devoting much of the time to 
scouting in the surrounding country. During the stay at 
Raleigh, a number of the men made an expedition to Wyom- 
ing C. H., where a detachment of the regiment fell into am- 
buscade and was surrounded, but cut its way out, with a loss 
of 2 killed and 7 captured. The last of August the regiment 
moved to Fayetteville, where, in conjunction with the 34th 
Ohio, it garrisoned that important outpost. September 10, 
1862, learning that the enemy was moving on the Fayetteville 
road. Colonel Siber, who commanded the Union force, ordered 
two companies of the 37th out on that road, where the Con- 
federates were soon encountered in heavy force. At noon 
Colonel Siber's entire command (six companies of the 34th 
and the 37th Ohio) were engaged with the Confederates, 
who were commanded by General W. W. Loring. The 
fight lasted until dark, but as most of the 37th occupied the 
earthworks, which had been constructed the previous year, 
the casualties of the regiment were light. During the night 
Colonel Siber, learning that the enemy was threatening his 
rear, ordered the burning of the Government stores, and at 
2 o'clock a. m. the nth, moved back on the Gauley road. 
At daybreak the regiment reached Cotton Hill, where a short 
stand was made and some shot thrown into the ranks of the 
Confederates compelling them to seek cover. The brigade 
continued down the Kanawha, with the enemy in close pursuit. 
On the I2th it crossed the river at Brownstown, and the fol- 
lowing morning marched to Charleston, the enemy appearing 
on the opposite side of the Kanawha at the same time. The 



37TH Ohio Infantry 75 

Confederates were kept at bay until dark to enable the train 
of 700 wagons, loaded with army supplies, to get away, when 
the retreat was continued to Ravenswood on the Ohio river. 
Crossing the Ohio, the 37th, with the remainder of the brigade, 
marched to Pomeroy, where the troops were royally treated 
by the citizens of that loyal city. Leaving Pomeroy the regi- 
ment proceeded to a point on the Ohio river four miles from 
Gallipolis, where it remained a few days and recrossed the 
river, going into camp at Point Pleasant, West Va. The 
losses of the 37th at Fayetteville and in the retreat were 2 killed, 
3 wounded and 62 missing. 

During the stay at Point Pleasant the regiment received 
some 70 recruits, mostly young men — a valuable acquisition. 
The middle of October the 37th, under command of Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Von Blessingh, advanced up the Kanawha to 
Charleston. On this march the regiment, for the first time 
since its assignment to another brigade, met the 34th Ohio, 
who greeted the 37th with cheers as it passed, a greeting which 
was heartily returned by the men of the 37th, who had not 
forgotten the conduct of the gallant 34th at Fayetteville. 
The regiment remained a few days at Charleston and then 
proceeded up the river arriving at Gauley Bridge the 20th of 
November, where it expected to remain for the winter. Here 
stockades were built within which to place the tents, and all 
sorts of heating apparatus provided. While encamped at 
Gauley Bridge the men of the 37th presented Colonel Siber 
with a beautiful sword and belt in recognition of the soldierly 
qualities displayed by him at Fayetteville. 

December 30, 1862, the 37th was ordered to Charleston, 
where it embarked on steamers for Louisville, Ky., leaving the 
picturesque and mountainous region of West Virginia, where 
the regiment had seen some severe service. On reaching 
Cincinnati Colonel Siber, who had for some time commanded 
the brigade, again assumed command. At Cincinnati new 
Enfield rifles were furnished the regiment in exchange for the 
old Springfield muskets, and it continued to Louisville where 
the regiment disembarked and marched through the principal 
streets of the city, presenting a fine appearance and eliciting 
favorable comment from citizens. The regiment, with the 
Kanawha Brigade, remained in camp at Louisville one week, 
when it agam embarked on steamers and proceeded down the 



76 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Ohio and Mississippi rivers, reaching Napoleon, Arkansas, 
the middle of January, 1863, where it was joined with the 30th 
and 47th Ohio and 4th West Virginia in constituting the 3d 
Brigade, 2d Division, 15th Army Corps. 

January 21 the regiment, as part of the division, moved 
down the river to Young's Point, nearly opposite Vicksburg, 
where it put in some time digging the canal. About the 20th 
of March the 37th took part in an expedition in connection 
with Commodore Porter, up Steele's Bayou and through 
Black Bayou to Deer Creek and Sunflower river, for the pur- 
pose of getting into the Yazoo river, above Haines' Bluff, 
which would have secured an advantageous position for 
operations against Vicksburg. When General Porter, with 
ironclads, mortarboats and tugs, was within a few miles of 
Rolling Fork, Confederate sharpshooters so swarmed in the 
woods that the situation became critical. The enemy had 
erected a battery at the junction of the Sunflower and Rolling 
Fork, supported by infantry ordered up from Haines' Bluff. 
The 37th and other troops were hurried forward and arrived 
in time to rescue the fleet, which Porter intended to destroy 
to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. The regi- 
ment returned to its camp at Young's Point the 27th, where 
the men witnessed the passing of the Confederate batteries 
at Vicksburg April 16 and 22, by portions of Porter's fleet. 
The last of April General Frank P. Blair's Division (which 
included the 37th) was ordered up the Yazoo to threaten 
Haines' Bluff, while General Grant was attacking Grand 
Gulf. Upon its return from the Yazoo, the regiment with 
the Kanawha Brigade, marched to Richmond, crossed the 
Mississippi, and hurried forward, overtaking the division at 
Black river bridge May 18, and arriving in the rear of Vicks- 
burg late that night, having made the distance from Grand 
Gulf, 85 miles, in three days. In the assault. May 19, the 
37th formed the right of the brigade line and its losses were 2 
officers (Lieutenant Gustav A. Wintzer and Lieutenant Se- 
baldus Hassler) and 12 enlisted men killed, and i ofiicer 
(Lieutenant Joseph Langenderfer) and 34 enlisted men wound- 
ed. The regiment furnished 13 men to the volunteer storming 
party May 22. Li the assault of that day it moved by the left 
flank along the Graveyard Road until brought to a halt by 
the severity of the enemy's fire. It then took position on the 



37TH Ohio Infantry ^'j 

crest of the ridge nearest the Confederate works. Its loss 
was 10 enHsted men killed, and i officer (Lieutenant-Colonel 
Von Blessingh) and 30 enlisted men wounded; and during the 
siege 4 men were killed and 3 wounded, total 97. After the 
wounding of Lieutenant-Colonel Von Blessingh, Major Charles 
Hipp commanded the regiment until June 18, when Colonel 
Siber, who had been absent on leave resumed command. 
After the surrender of Vicksburg the 37th (Ewing's Brigade) 
marched to near Jackson, Mississippi, which place it entered, 
with Sherman's army, the morning of July 17, the Confederates 
having withdrawn the previous night. On July 23, 1863, 
the regiment proceeded with the division to the Big Black 
river and bivouacked at Camp Sherman for rest and reorganiza- 
tion, where it remained during midsummer. After the battle 
of Chickamauga, the Army of the Tennessee was ordered to 
Chattanooga and the 37th marched to Vicksburg, embarked 
on the steamer Nashville for Memphis, Tenn., arriving there 
October i. It remained in Memphis about one week when it 
began the long march with Sherman's army to Chattanooga. 
On the 20th of October the regiment reached Cherokee Station, 
Ala., and remained in bivouac there until the 26th. About 
this time Confederate cavalry, under Forrest, appeared, but 
the 37th, with other troops, succeeded in driving them off. 
The regiment then pushed forward through Florence, Ala., 
Pulaski and Fayetteville, Tenn., reaching Chattanooga on 
the 2 1st and going into a concealed camp on the west side' of 
the river. On the night of November 23 upwards of 100 flat 
boats had been floated into North Chickamauga Creek, about 
four miles above Chattanooga, designed for a pontoon bridge. 
Major Hipp was directed to take a number of these boats and 
a detail of men, cross the Tennessee river, secure a landing and 
then turn the boats over to the pioneer corps. About mid- 
night Major Hipp and his men crossed the river, surprised and 
captured the Confederate picket, when the major returned and 
reported to General Sherman, who was so elated that he took 
off his hat and cheered. At the dawn of day a pontoon bridge 
was built over the Tennessee, General Sherman himself 
personally superintending the work. On the 24th, the 37th, 
with its brigade, advanced to a position near the railroad 
tunnel, and held a hill in front of the enemy during the night. 
On the morning of the 25th Lightburn's Brigade (30th, 37th 



78 Ohio at Vicksburg 

and 47th Ohio and 4th West Virginia) assaulted the enemy's 
fortified position on the extreme right of his line, held by 
General Claibourne's Division, Hardee's Corps. The assault 
lasted but a few minutes, but the firing of the Confederates 
was so murderous that it fairly made the very ground seem 
alive. Twice the Union forces charged upon the Confederate 
works, and twice they were compelled to fall back. In this 
assault the 37th, then about 200 strong, sustained a loss of 41 
killed and wounded. The assault was not successful, but other 
points of the Confederate line were broken, the battle of Mis- 
sionary Ridge was won and the enemy pursued as far as 
Ringgold. 

November 29 the regiment moved with Sherman's army 
to east Tennessee to drive the Confederates from their position 
in front of Knoxville. Two days before General Sherman 
reached that place General Longstreet attacked Burnside and 
was repulsed, after which the Confederates raised the siege 
and retreated to Virginia. The 37th returned to Bridgeport, 
Ala., thence to Larkinsville December 26, where it went into 
camp. On the 15th of February, 1864, it moved to Cleveland, 
Tennessee, and formed part of an expedition to the vicinity 
of Dalton, Ga., returning to Cleveland where, on the 8th of 
March, three-fourths of the men reenlisted for three years 
more and were granted the usual 30 days leave. When the 
furlough expired the men returned to the front. En route, a 
disastrous railroad accident occurred near Munfordsville, Ky., 
in which one man from the regiment was killed and 30 injured. 
The regiment received new arms and equipment on its arrival 
at Chattanooga and then proceeded to the front where it 
participated in the battle of Resaca, May 13, 1864, losing 2 
officers (Captain Frederick Schoening, Company G, and 
Lieutenant William Weiss, Company K) and i enlisted man 
killed and 10 enlisted men wounded. After the engagement 
at Resaca, the 37th marched to Kingston, Ga., which place 
it reached May 19; the regiment at this time was commanded 
by Major Charles Hipp, Lieutenant-Colonel Von Blessingh 
being absent on sick leave. The regiment then proceeded to 
Dallas, Ga., where on May 23, a strong body of the enemy well 
fortified was met, but the 37th was not actively engaged at this 
place. At the battle of New Hope Church, the 28th and 29th 
of May, the 37th sustained a loss of 4 men wounded. From 



37TH Ohio Infantry 79 

this time until June 27 the regiment was chiefly engaged in 
picket duty in the vicinity of Acworth. On the latter date it 
took part in the assault on Kenesaw Mountain. Between 
June II and July 2 the loss of the regiment was 4 killed and 
19 wounded. Moving toward the Chattahoochie river, the 
37th and other troops of the 15th Army Corps, supported the 
23d Corps in the engagement near that place and on Nicka- 
jack Creek. Marching through Marietta, the Chattahoochie 
river was crossed and earthworks constructed on the south side 
of the river, after which the regiment, with other troops, de- 
stroyed the Atlanta and Western Railroad. July 20 found it 
within two miles of Atlanta. On the 22d of July the 37th 
occupied breastworks which the enemy had abandoned the 
preceding night. It was soon driven out, however, the Con- 
federates having returned strongly reenforced; but shortly 
after the position was retaken. The regiment's loss here w^as 
4 killed, 10 wounded and 38 captured. The battle of Ezra 
Chapel, in which the 37th participated, occurred the 28th. 
Major Charles Hipp, who commanded the regiment,- was 
severely wounded in that engagement, sufi^ering the loss of 
his left arm, and the command devolved upon Captain Carl 
Moritz. The loss at Ezra Chapel was i killed and 5 wounded. 

During the ensuing month the regiment, with the corps, 
gradually advanced toward the fortifications in front of the 
city. Between July 29 and August 26, the 37th lost 5 killed 
and 8 wounded. August 30 the regiment led its brigade in 
the advance on jonesboro, and by evening succeeded in reach- 
ing a point a mile from the enemy's lines. Entrenchments 
were thrown up during the night and the assault was renew^ed 
on the 31st, resulting in the complete repulse ot the enemy. 
During the two days the loss of the regiment was 2 killed and 
7 wounded. On the evening of September i, the 37th, with 
its brigade, entered Atlanta. The pursuit of the enemy 
continued to Lovejoy Station, from which place the regiment 
returned to East Point where it bivouacked until October 4, 

October 4 the regiment joined in pursuit of Hood's com- 
mand, marching over northern Georgia and Alabama. Near 
Gadsden a body of Confederate cavalry was met and quickly 
dispersed. Returning to Ruffin's Station, the regiment re- 
mained there until November 13, when it marched into Atlanta 
to make preparations for "Sherman's March to the Sea," 



8o Ohio at Vicksburg 

which began November 15. The regiment, as a part of the 
15th Corps, marched over McDonough's Indian Springs, 
crossed the Ocmulgee river and passed through Hillsboro and 
Clinton. After performing guard duty near the latter place, it 
marched over the Georgia Central Railroad, joined the divi- 
sion at Griswold, crossed the Oconee river November 26, and 
reached Summertown the 30th. Following the Ogeechee 
river, it advanced to the Savannah and Gulf Railroad, part of 
which, in conjunction with other troops, it destroyed, and then 
proceeded to within 9 miles of Savannah. December 13 the 
regiment assisted in the successful assault on Fort McAllister. 
For several days the division rested and then returned to the 
Savannah and Gulf Railroad, 30 miles of which it demolished. 
When the enemy evacuated Savannah, the 37th encamped near 
the city. January 19, 1865, it proceeded to Fort Thunderbolt, 
on the Savannah river, and embarked for Beaufort, S. C, 
where it arrived the 22d. Remaining there until the 30th it 
escorted the division train to Pocotalico, and then moved to 
McPhersonville. Here it joined the division and accompanied 
it through the Carolinas. Resistance w^as met at the South 
Edisto river, where the enemy was strongly entrenched, but 
this was soon overcome and the regiment marched toward 
Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, and entered the city 
with the troops February 16. The i8th and 19th were em- 
ployed in the destruction of the Columbia and Charleston 
Railroad. The march was then continued until the 26th, 
when the Wateree river and Lynch Creek were crossed w'here 
the regiment halted to permit the remainder of the division 
to come up. The 37th entered Chearaw on March 7, crossed 
the Great Pedee river and entered the State of North Carolina. 
After crossing the Little Pedee, Lumber and Little rivers, the 
regiment escorted General Howard's headquarters train to 
Fayetteville, N. C. March 19-21 the 37th took part in the 
last engagement of the war (Bentonsville), losing i killed 
(Corporal Joseph Baselgia, Company G) and 2 w^ounded. 
The regiment then proceeded to Goldsboro, arriving there the 
24th of March and encamping two miles east of town, on the 
Newbern Road, where it remained until April 10. Upon the 
surrender of Lee and Johnston the regiment with Sherman's 
army, moved by way of Richmond, Va. to Washington, D. C, 
where it participated in the Grand Review before President 
Johnston and Cabinet. 



37TH Ohio Infantry 8i 

From Washington the 37th proceeded to Louisville, Ky., 
where it remained until June 4, when it embarked on steam- 
boats tor Little Rock, Ark., arriving there July 4^ and serving 
as part of the "Army of Occupation" until August 12, when 
it returned to Ohio and w^as mustered out at Cleveland August 
21, 1865, the same city in which it was organized in August, 
1 86 1, just 4 years before. During its four years' service the 
37th set foot on every southern state except Florida and Texas, 
and its entire loss during the war, as shown by the official 
records and by the roster of Ohio soldiers, was as follows: 
killed 60, mortally wounded 34, wounded 189, drowned 6, 
perished in the explosion of steamer Sultana, near Memphis, 
Tenn., April 27, 1865, 6; died in Confederate prisons 7; died of 
disease 67; captured or missing 121; total 4Q0. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Princeton, W. Va May 15-18, 1862 

Wyoming C. H., W. Va August 5, 1862 

Fayetteville, W. Va Sept. 11, 1862 

Cotton Hill, W. Va Sept. 11, 1862 

Vicksburg, Miss. (siege of and 

assaults) May 18 to July 4,^1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Missionary Ridge, Tenn November 25, 1863 

Resaca, Ga May 13-16, 1864 

Dallas, Ga May 25 to June 4, 1 864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. (general 

assault) June 27, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's first sortie) -July 22, 1864 
Atlanta, Ga. (Ezra Chapel, or 

second sortie) July 28, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga July 28 to Sept. 2, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga August 31 and Sept. 1,1864 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 37th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 



82 Ohio at Vicksburg 

casualties. 

"In the assault, May 19, 1863, killed 14, wounded 35. 
Lieutenants Gustav A. Wintzer and Sebaldus Hassler killed. 
In the assault, May 22, killed 10, wounded 31, total 41; and 
during the siege, not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and seige, killed 24, wounded 66, total 90." 



42d REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 

THE 42d Ohio was organized at Camp Chase, near Colum- 
bus, Ohio. Companies A, B, C and D were mustered 
into the service September 25, 1861; Company E, October 30; 
Company F, November 12; and Companies G, H, I and K, 
November 26, at which time the organization was completed. 

On the 14th of December orders were received to take the 
field, and on the following day it moved by railroad to Cincin- 
nati, and thence by steamer up the Ohio river to Catlettsburg, 
Ky., where it arrived the morning of December 17. The regi- 
ment, together with the 14th Kentucky Infantry and McLaugh- 
lin's squadron of Ohio cavalry, proceeded to Louisa, Ky., 
and moved forward to Green Creek. The whole command 
advanced December 31, and by the night of January 7, 1862, 
encamped within three miles of Painsville, and the next morn- 
ing five companies, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Sheldon, took possession of the village. On the evening of the 
same day Garfield took the 42d and two companies of the 
14th Kentucky, and advanced against Marshall's fortified 
position, about three miles south of the village of Paintville. 
The infantry reached the works about 9 o'clock p. m., 
found them evacuated, and everything valuable either carried 
away or destroyed; and, after an all-night march, returned to 
Paintville a little after daylight. 

About noon on the 9th Colonel Garfield, with 1,100 in- 
fantry from the 42d Ohio and other regiments, and about 
600 cavalry, started in pursuit of Marshall, and about 9 
o'clock in the evening the advance was fired upon by Marshall's 
pickets, on the summit of Abbott's Hill. Garfield took pos- 
session of the hill, bivouacked for the night, and the next 



42D Ohio Infantry 83 

morning continued the pursuit, overtaking the enemy at the 
forks of Middle Creek, three miles southwest of Prestonburg. 
Marshall's force consisted of about 3,500 men, infantry and 
cavalry, with three pieces of artillery. Major Pardee, with 
400 men, was sent across Middle Creek to attack Marshall 
directly in front, and Lieutenant-Colonel Monroe (22d Ken- 
tucky) was directed to attack on Marshall's right flank. The 
fight at once opened with considerable spirit, and Pardee and 
Monroe became hotly engaged with a force four times as large 
as their own. They held their ground with great obstinacy 
and bravery until reenforcements reached the field, when the 
enemy commenced to fall back. The National forces slept 
upon their arms, and at early dawn a reconnoissance disclosed 
the fact that Marshall had burned his stores and had fled, 
leaving a portion of his dead upon the field. 

On the nth the command took possession of Prestonburg, 
Ky., and on the 12th returned to Paintville, and went into 
camp until the first of February, when the force moved by 
boats up the Big Sandy to Pikeville. On the 14th of March 
the regiment, with other troops, took possession of Pound 
Gap and destroyed the enemy's camp and stores. The regi- 
ment was engaged in several other expeditions against the 
guerrillas. The arduous nature of the campaign, the exceed- 
ingly disagreeable weather, and the want of supplies, were 
disastrous to the health of the troops, and some 85 of the 42d 
died of disease. 

On the 1 8th of March the regiment received orders to 
proceed to Louisville, where it arrived and went into camp on 
the 29th. The 42d was attached to Brigadier-General George 
W. Morgan's command, and moved by rail to Lexington, Ky., 
and from -there marched to Cumberland Ford, with 314 men 
for duty. At Cumberland Ford the regiment was brigaded 
with the 1 6th Ohio, the 14th and 22d Kentucky; Colonel John 
F. DeCourcey (i6th Ohio), commanding. On the 15th of 
May the brigade crossed the Cumberland river and encamped 
at the junction of the roads leading to Cumberland Gap and 
Roger's Gap. On the 5th of June Morgan's entire command 
took up the line of march to cross the mountains into the rear 
of Cumberland Gap. Moving by way of Roger's Gap into 
Powell's Valley, the advance was unopposed until it reached 
Roger's Gap, when a series of skirmishes ensued, nearly all 



84 Ohio at Vicksburg 

of them between the 42d and the enemy. At i o'clock a. 
m., June 18, Morgan moved against a force at Big Spring, 
the 42d leading, but the enemy fled, and Morgan moved to- 
ward Cumberland Gap, reaching it at 5 p. m., and found 
it had been evacuated a few hours before. The 42d at once* 
moved into the Gap, and was the first regiment to plant its 
flag on this stronghold. The regiment camped on the extreme 
right, near Yellow Creek, performing heavy picket duty, and 
being frequently on expeditions. It skirmished at Baptist's 
Gap, at Tazewell, and on the 5th of August engaged and .held 
back the advance of the army with which Kirby Smith invaded 
Kentucky. 

On the morning of the 6th a heavy force attacked the 
brigade two miles beyond Tazewell, and it fell back leisurely 
to Cumberland Gap. Company E, ot the 42d, escorted a 
forage train, and was nearly surrounded, but by shrewdness 
and gallantry it saved the train and escaped without loss. 
The Gap was finally evacuated, and the forces tell back 
through Manchester, crossed the Kentucky river at Proctor, 
and crossed the Ohio at Greenupsburg. The regiment acted 
as rear guard during the march. When the 42d left the 
.Gap it numbered 750 men, and while on the march there were 
issued to it 275 pounds of flour, 400 pounds of bacon, and 2 
rations of fresh pork; the rest of the food consisted of corn, 
grated down on tin plates and cooked upon them. • The 
distance marched was 250 miles, the weather was very dry, 
and the men suff'ered for water. They were without shoes, 
and their clothing was ragged and filthy. The 42d lost but 
I man on the retreat from all causes, and it was the only 
regiment that brought through its knapsacks and blankets. 
These proved of great service, as the men were compelled 
to camp at Portland, Jackson County, Ohio, two weeks be- 
fore clothing, camp and garrison equipage could be furnished 
them. 

On the 2 1st of October the regiment proceeded to Galli- 
polis, and thence up the Kanawha to Charlestown, Va. It 
returned to the Ohio November 10, and embarked for Cincin- 
nati, and moved from there down to Memphis, encamping 
near the city on the 28th. While at Portland, Ohio, the 
regiment received 103 recruits, and at Memphis it received 
65 more. It had from time to time obtained a few, so that 



42D Ohio Infantry ' 85 

the whole number reached 200 or more, and the regiment 
could turn out on parade nearly 900 men. General Morgan's 
Division was reorganized, and was denominated the 9th 
Division, 13th Army Corps. 

On the 20th of December the 42d, with other troops, 
under General W. T. Sherman, embarked at Memphis, and, 
proceeding down the river, landed at Johnston's plantation, 
on the Yazoo. The 42d led the advance against the defenses 
of Vicksburg on the 27th of December, and skirmished with 
the enemy until dark. The next morning the regiment re- 
sumed the attack against the enemy thrown out beyond their 
works, and protected in front by timber and lagoon. The 
regiment continued to advance, without driving the enemy, 
until Colonel Pardee ordered a charge, which was made with 
great spirit, and resulted in gaining possession of the woods 
and driving the Rebels into their works. About 9 o'clock 
a. m. on the 29th a charge was made, the 42d being on the 
extreme right of the assaulting column. The storm of shot 
and shell was terrific, but the regiment maintained its organ- 
ization, and came off the field in good order. During the 
remainder of the engagement the regiment held its position 
in line. The army finally retired, reembarked, and moved 
to Milliken's Bend. 

On the 4th of January, 1863, the fleet steamed up the 
river to White river, and up it through a "cut-off" into the 
Arkansas, and up it to Arkansas Post, where the troops dis- 
embarked and invested Fort Hindman, De Courcey's Brigade 
being held in reserve. After four hours of severe cannonad- 
ing, the infantry advanced, and, several unsuccessful charges 
having been made, De Courcey's Brigade was ordered to join 
Sheldon's Brigade in assaulting Fort Hindman. The 42d 
led the advance, and, soon after getting fairly under fire, 
the enemy surrendered. 7,000 prisoners, all the guns and 
small arms, and a large quantity of stores were captured. 

In a few days the troops reembarked, and on the 24th 
of January landed at Young's Point. Here the 42d was al- 
lotted its proportion of the work on the canal, and was allowed 
four days to perform it; but, so vigorous was the regiment 
in the discharge of its duties, that it accomplished its work 
in seventeen hours. On the loth of March, the division moved 
to Milliken's Bend, where it was soon joined by the remainder 



86 Ohio at Vicksburg 

of the corps. Here supplies were received, and four weeks 
were spent in drilling and fitting for the coming campaign. 

The 9th Division took the advance in the movement 
toward the rear of Vicksburg. The troops moved to Rich- 
mond, Madison Parish, La., and embarked about thirty miles 
below Vicksburg, on transports which had run the batteries, 
and moved down to Grand Gulf. Here they debarked, 
crossed the point, again took transports, moved down to 
Bruinsburg, and debarked on the Mississippi side of the river. 
The division advanced against Port Gibson, and, at 12 
o'clock at night, had a slight engagement with the enemy. 
The whole corps moved up and bivouacked near Magnolia 
Church. At daybreak the troops were under arms and ad- 
vancing. The 9th Division, taking the left of the line, speed- 
ily engaged the enemy, and continued in action until 4 
o'clock p. m. The 42d was placed under a heavy fire of 
artillery at 7 o'clock a. m., and continued there until 9 
o'clock a. m., when it was advanced to the center of the divi- 
sion line and ordered to charge. The order was obeyed 
with spirit and courage, but, meeting with unexpected ob- 
stacles, the division commander ordered it to retire. It con- 
tinued skirmishing until 12 o'clock, when it joined the 
i6th Ohio and 22d Kentucky, and charged a strong position 
held by the Rebels, but, after a brave effort, failed to dislodge 
them, and was again ordered to retire. It was moved to 
the right, and about 3 o'clock p. m., made a third charge, 
and, in conjunction with the 49th Indiana and 114th Ohio, 
carried the enemy's position. In this engagement the regi- 
ment sustained a heavier loss than any other one in the corps. 

On the 2d of May, the corps advanced and took posses- 
sion of Port Gibson, and moved on by way of Champion's Hill 
and Big Black bridge to the rear of Vicksburg. The regi- 
ment was engaged both at Champion's Hill and Big Black, 
but the loss was comparatively slight. It participated in the 
charges on the works at Vicksburg on the 19th and 22d of May, 
the 9th Division holding an advanced position in the 13th 
Corps. In these assaults the regiment lost heavily, especially 
on the 22d. On the loth of June the 42d was moved toward 
the right in support of some batteries, where it remained 
until June 27, when it moved to Big Black bridge. After 
the surrender of Vicksburg the regiment marched to Jack- 



42D Ohio Infantry 87 

son and participated in the reduction of that place, and then 
returned to Vicksburg, where it remained until ordered to 
the Department of the Gulf. 

The regiment arrived at Carrollton, near New Orleans, 
August 15, and, on the 6th of September, started on the west- 
ern Louisiana campaign. At Brashear City the 9th and 12th 
Divisions of the 13th Corps were consolidated, and Brigadier- 
General Lawler was assigned to the command of the brigade. 
The brigade moved up to Vermillion Bayou, and from there 
to Opelousas, where it remained a few days, and returned 
with the corps to Berwick Bay. On the i8th of November, 
the brigade crossed to Brashear City, with the intention of 
going into Texas, but the follow^ing night it was ordered to 
Thibodeaux, and proceeded thence by way of Donaldson- 
ville to Plaquemine, arriving November 21. The regiment 
remained here during the winter, and on the 24th of March, 
1864, moved to Baton Rouge, and was detailed as provost 
guard for the city. On the ist of May the 42d, with other 
troops, marched on an expedition toward Clinton, La., engaged 
an equal force of the enemy for seven hours, and at last drove 
the Rebels five miles through canebrakes and over the Comite 
river. On this expedition the infantry marched 54 miles in 
eighteen hours. The regiment embarked on boats. May 
1 6th, and reported to General Canby at the mouth of Red 
river, and moved up to Simmsport, on the Atchafalaya river, 
where a provisional brigade was formed, comprising the 7th 
Kentucky, 22d and 23d Iowa, 37th Illinois, and 42d Ohio 
Colonel Sheldon commanding. Meeting General Bank's 
army here, the regiment marched to Morganza, La., with it. 
The regiment was on several expeditions and in one slight 
skirmish. Here the 42d was attached to the 1st Brigade, 
3d Division, 19th Corps. Here, also, a test-drill was held 
in the 19th Corps, and Company E, of the 42d Ohio, won 
the first prize. 

The brigade moved up the Mississippi, July 15, and 
landed at the mouth of White river. While lying here a de- 
tachment of the regiment crossed into Mississippi, marched 
15 miles, captured two small parties of Rebels, and returned 
within ten hours. The brigade moved up to St. Charles, 
on White river, and, after working ten days on the fortifica- 
tions, made an expedition of some 60 miles into the country. 



88 Ohio at Vicksburg 

On the 6th of August the brigade returned to Morganza, and 
on the 6th of September moved to the mouth of White river 
again. Companies A, B, C, and D were ordered to Camp 
Chase, Ohio, September 15, and v^ere mustered out Septem- 
ber 30. The remaining six companies w^ere ordered to Duvall's 
BlufF, Arkansas. Companies E and F were mustered out 
November 25, and the other four companies were mustered 
out December 2, 1864. 10 1 men remained, whose term of 
service had not expired, and they were organized into a com- 
pany and assigned to the 96th Ohio. 

The regiment bears upon its banners the names of eleven 
battles, in which it lost i officer and 20 men killed, and 18 
officers and 325 men wounded. 

During its term of service, this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Middle Creek, Ky January 10, 1862 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 

Arkansas Post, Ark. (Ft. Hindman) January 11, 1863 
Thompson's Hill, Miss. (Pt. Gibson)May i, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Big Black river. Miss May 17, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (first assault) May 19, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Opelousas, La October 21, 1863 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 42d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as found in Vicksburg 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, 1863, killed 12, 
wounded 47, total 59. In the battle of Champion's Hill, May 
16, 1863, killed 5, wounded 22, missing 13, total 40. In 
the engagement at Big Black river bridge. May 17, 1863, 
killed 2, wounded 3, missing i, total 6. In the assault. May 
19, wounded 13, total 13. In skirmish about Vicksburg, 
May 20, wounded 3, total 3. In assault, May 22, killed i, 
wounded 21, missing i, total 23. In skirmish about Vicks- 
burg, May 23, wounded i, total i; and during the siege not 
reported. 



46th Ohio Infantry 89 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege killed 20, wounded no, missing 15, 
total 145." 



46th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 

THE 46th Ohio was recruited at Worthington, Franklin 
County, Ohio, in the month of September, and w^as 
organized on the i6th of October, 1861. It was sent to the 
field from Camp Chase on the i8th of February, 1862, with 
an aggregate of 975 men, and on the 22d it reported at Padu- 
cah, Ky. It was brigaded with the 6th Iowa and the 40th 
Illinois, and was attached to General Sherman's Division. 

The regiment, with four companies of the 40th Illinois, 
embarked for the Upper Tennessee on the 6th of March, and 
landed at Savannah on the 8th. Here it remained, within 
eight miles of the enemy's camp at Pittsburg Landing, for 
four days, when the grand army arrived, and on the morning 
of the 14th the fleet reached Pittsburg Landing, which the 
Rebels had evacuated. A detail from the 46th w^as the first 
organized body of troops to disembark. The regiment w^as 
posted a short distance to the right of Shiloh Church, and 
there it remained in comparative quiet until the battle. On 
Saturday, April 5, Companies B and K were on picket. During 
the night the enemy was feeling the lines constantly, and at 
daylight his columns could be seen deploying in the distance. 
At sunrise a Rebel cavalry ofiicer emerged from the woods 
within thirty yards of the picket line, and, checking his horse, 
he stood for a moment in seeming composure, and then in- 
quired: "Are these Union pickets .?" He was told they were, 
and was ordered to come up. He attempted to turn his 
horse again into the woods, and in an instant the unerring 
rifle of Sergeant Glenn emptied its deadly contents into his 
brain; but before the sun had set, the sergeant, too, lay stark 
and stiffs on the bloody field. The regiment was engaged 
during the entire battle, with a loss of 280 killed and wounded, 
and 15 captured. The dead were conveyed to a spot a little 
to the south of the summit of the ridge overlooking Owl Creek, 
immediately in front of the first line of battle, and near the 



90 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Purdy Road, and there they were interred in single graves 
with the honors of war. 

The regiment remained upon the battlefield until the 27th 
of April, when it moved with the army upon Corinth. 1 he 
summer and part of the autumn of 1862 were spent in garri- 
soning the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, 
and in performing provost duty in Memphis. In November 
the regiment started on a campaign through the interior of 
Mississippi, under General Grant; but, after marching about 
100 miles, the troops were compelled to return to Holly Springs, 
in consequence of the line of communication having been 
cut. The regiment was again stationed along the Memphis 
and Charleston road; and, being mounted, it was employed 
principally in raiding and scouting in northern Mississippi. 
Early in June, 1863, the regiment was transported to Vicks- 
burg, and it participated in the siege of that place. On the 
evening of the 4th of July, after the surrender, the regiment 
took up the line of march in the direction ot Jackson, Miss., 
and at 11 o'clock p. m. it halted in the vicinity of Big 
Black river. Companies E and K were ordered forward to 
the ford at Birdsong's ferry, which, after a long search in 
the darkness, they found; but they had not been there long 
until unmistakable signs of the enemy were discovered in 
their immediate front on the opposite bank. It proved to 
be General Joe Johnston, who, with his army, had reached 
that point on his way to the relief of Vicksburg. At day- 
break the enemy opened fire upon the two companies, and, 
though they were in a sharp bend of the river, and to a great 
extent surrounded, they held their position gallantly, but 
sustained considerable loss. It required several days' severe 
skirmishing to effect a crossing; and, after gaining the eastern 
side of the river, the troops moved on upon Jackson, to which 
point Johnston retreated. After several days' fighting the 
enemy was forced to evacuate the city, and the regiment 
returned to Big Black and went into camp. In this cam- 
paign the men suffered greatly from heat and the scarcity of 
water. On the return march the sick and wounded were 
carried on the shoulders of fatigue details, on stretchers, ex- 
posed to the burning sun, for a distance of thirty miles. 

On the loth of October the regiment, with the 15th 
Corps, under General Sherman, embarked for Memphis, 



46th Ohio Infantry 91 

and from there it marched to the reHef of Chattanooga, arriv- 
ing on the 20th of November. At the battle of Mission Ridge 
the regiment was engaged severely, and it sustained a heavy 
loss in killed and wounded. Immediately after this battle 
the regiment moved on the Knoxville campaign, and having, 
raised the siege of that place, it marched to Scottsboro', Ala., 
for winter quarters. It arrived on the 31st of December, 

1863, having marched over 500 miles in about two months, 
exposed to inclement weather, without tents and almost 
without food and clothing. Here the regiment was armed 
with Spencer's repeating rifled musket and here, too, it re- 
enlisted as veterans. It was furloughed on the 30th of March 

1864, and, after an absence of 38 days, it returned to its camp 
at Scottsboro'. 

On the 1st of May the regiment moved in the direction 
of Chattanooga, and thence, by way of Snake Creek Gap, to 
Resaca, where it was actively engaged on the 13th, 14th, 
and 15th of May, but with small loss. The regiment moved 
on through Kingston and Van Wert to Dallas, arriving on the 
26th. After severe skirmishing, it took position on the Villa 
Rica Road, on the extreme right of the army, and within 
500 yards of the enemy. On the 27th the Rebels made a bold 
dash to capture a battery of Parrott guns, but they were re- 
pulsed by the brigade of which the regiment was a part. The 
next day the Rebels made a general attack, but were again 
repulsed. In these two engagements the Spencer rifles caused 
such havoc in the charging columns, that ever after the 46th 
was known and dreaded throughout the opposing army. 
On the 1st of June the regiment, with its division, moved 
to the left, and relieved the 2d and 3d Brigades of General 
Geary's Division, 20th Corps. Here the regiment partici- 
pated in the battle of New Hope Church. The command 
gained a position within 100 yards of the enemy, and, after 
severe skirmishing, and by aid of a system of works, the line 
was advanced to within 80 yards. The enemy's fire harassed 
the brigade greatly, and Colonel Walcutt, commanding the 
brigade, determined to gain the Rebel line without loss to his 
command. His plan succeeded admirably. He arranged 
the brigade as though a charge was to be made, with flags 
flying and all the buglers on the line; and he directed his men, 
who were well covered with works, to stand with their pieces 



gz Ohio at Vicksburg 

directed along the enemy's parapet. When the bugles sounded 
the forward, the enemy raised, as had been expected, to repel 
the anticipated assault, but he received, instead, a very severe 
fire. The result v^as, that the enemy abandoned his works 
in confusion, and during the night withdrew from the front 
of the brigade. 

On the 6th of June the brigade passed through Acworth, 
and went into bivouac until the 9th, when it accompanied 
General Garrard's Cavalry on a reconnoissance to the vicinity 
of Kenesaw, and there rejoined its division. During the 
movements of Kenesaw the brigade was in reserve until the 
15th of June, when, with the division, it was moved to the 
extreme left of the army. The 46th, with its brigade, supported 
by the other two brigades of the division, was ordered to charge 
a line on a ridge a half a mile distant. This was done in 
gallant style. 22 officers, 400 men, and 600 stand of small 
arms were captured, and many of the enemy were killed and 
wounded. The division was again placed in reserve until 
the 25th, when it took position at the base of Kenesaw, and 
engaged in skirmishing. On the evening of the 26th, Walcutt's 
Brigade and two brigades from General Morgan L. Smith's 
Division were detailed as a storming party. The movement 
took place the next day. Walcutt's Brigade led the column, 
with the 46th in advance as skirmishers. The troops moved 
forward with determination, but it was impossible for them 
to force their way through the heavy abattis to the enemy's 
main works, and they were obliged to withdraw. In this 
assault the 46th captured 60 prisoners, but its own loss in 
killed and wounded was severe. After the evacuation of 
Kenesaw the regiment moved through Marietta to the junc- 
tion of the Nickajack with the Chattahoochie. Here it en- 
gaged in skirmishing for several days, and then marched to 
Roswell's factory, where a crossing of the Chattahoochie 
was forced on the 15th of July. The regiment remained 
in bivouac at this point until the 19th, when it moved for 
Atlanta, and on the evening of the 20th went into line in front 
of the city. 

The regimeht was engaged in skirmishing until the 22d, 
when it assisted in repelling an attack on the 17th Corps. 
Walcutt's Brigade was posted on the left of the 15th Corps, 
joining the right of the 17th Corps. | When the engagement 



46th Ohio Infantry 93 

opened the brigade was faced from west to south, partially 
closing the gap between the two corps. The troops on the 
right of the brigade gave way, and the enemy gained its rear, 
while another column was making a direct assault. The 
column in front was repulsed, and the column in rear was 
captured. The 46th, with its Spencers, did gallant service, 
and had the honor of retaking a battery of Parrott guns cap- 
tured by the Rebels during the day. At Ezra Church the 
regiment was called upon to support the 3d Brigade of its divi- 
sion, and it moved into action. While the battle was going 
on, a captured Rebel informed the commanding officer of the 
regiment that he was of the 30th Louisiana, and that the 46th 
was the regiment that had confronted his at Pittsburg Land- 
ing. This was made known to the men, and, remembering 
their disastrous beginning there, they worked their pieces 
with redoubled energy. The colors of the 30th Louisiana 
were captured, and the colonel, with ten of his officers and 
fully one-half of his men, were killed. The flag, which was a 
present from the ladies of New Orleans to the regiment, was 
presented by General Logan to its immediate captor, Harry 
Davis, and was contributed by him to the trophies of the State 
of Ohio, and it can now be seen in the State House at Colum- 
bus. 

On the 3d of August the brigade took up an advanced 
position, and the 46th, with details from other regiments, was 
ordered to drive in or to capture the enemy's outposts. The 
contest was severe, but it resulted in the capture of about 
100 prisoners. From this time the regiment was constantly 
engaged in skirmishing until the 26th, when it participated 
in Sherman's flank movement to Jonesboro'. On the even- 
ing of the 28th the division crossed Flint river and went into 
position near Jonesboro'. On the afternoon of the next day 
the Rebels made their attack. Three companies of the 46th 
were on the skirmish line, and the remainder of the regiment 
was in reserve. The three companies held their ground until 
the enemy passed their flank, when they retired to the reserve. 
The regiment received instructions to charge the Rebel line 
as soon as it wavered. This order was executed, and four 
officers and 50 men were captured. On the 2d of September 
the regiment was again engaged, and it succeeded in capturing 
the enemy's fortified skirmish line. The regiment followed 



94 



Ohio at Vicksburg 



Hardee's retreating army, and, when near Lovejoy's Station, 
a halt was made, and the 46th was deployed in front of the 
4th Division, 15th Corps, while in front of General Corse's 
Division of the 17th Corps, the 66th Illinois was deployed, 
and preparations were made for an advance. The men of 
the two regiments challenged each other as to which should 
first occupy the enemy's line, nearly a mile distant. When 
the bugles sounded the "forward," they advanced, and for 
some distance neither seemed to have the advantage. As 
they neared the line the conflict became hand-to-hand. The 
enemy was forced to retire, and the 46th first occupied its part 
of the line, capturing about 50 prisoners. After this the army 
withdrew, and went into camp at East Point, near Atlanta. 
The regiment participated in the campaign against Hood in 
northern Georgia and Alabama, and returned to the vicinity 
of Atlanta on the 5th of November. 

On the 15th of November the regiment left Atlanta for 
Savannah. Nothing extraordinary transpired until in the 
vicinity of Griswoldsville, when the brigade was ordered to 
make a reconnoissance in the direction of Macon. The 
advance soon came upon General Kirkpatrick, who was en- 
gaging Wheeler's Cavalry. An infantry skirmish line soon 
dispersed the cavalry, and the brigade pushed on. Wheeler's 
force was met again soon after, and was again dispersed. 
The brigade was now withdrawn about a mile, and rude works 
of logs and stumps were constructed. While the men were 
preparing their meal the skirmishers became engaged, and it 
was discovered that the enemy, about 8,000 strong, was de- 
ployed for an assault. The Rebels advanced in three lines, 
either of which was twice the front of the brigade. The men 
held their fire until the advancing lines were within 125 yards, 
and then they opened with fearful effect. The enemy was 
broken, but he soon rallied, and again advanced, and was 
again broken. This was repeated five times. The engage- 
ment lasted until near sundown, when the Rebels were forced 
to retire. In this action the brigade consisted of 1,300 muskets 
and 2 pieces of artillery, and its loss was less than 40 killed and 
wounded. The regiment shared in the skirmishing around 
Savannah; and, after the surrender of the city, it embarked, 
January 10, 1865, on a steamer for Beaufort, S. C. On the 
27th it started on the march, and moved on without serious 



46th Ohio Infantry 95 

interruption until it reached Bentonville. In the battle at 
that place the 46th charged the enemy in his intrenchments, 
captured and held the works, and was specially complimented 
for gallantry. The regiment moved on through Goldsboro' 
to Raleigh, where the news of the surrender of Lee's army 
was received, and soon after, at the same point, General 
Johnston surrendered to General Sherman. 

The regiment moved by way of Petersburg and Richmond 
to Washington City. It arrived at Alexandria on the 20th 
of May, and on the 24th it participated in the Grand Review, 
and soon after proceeded to Louisville, Ky., where it was 
mustered out on the 22d of July, 1865. 

During its term of service the regiment lost 20 men 
captured, and 705 men killed, wounded, and died of disease. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 7, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (siege of ) . . April 30, 1862 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Knoxville, Tenn. (seige of) November 17 to Dec. 4,'63 

Resaca, Ga May 13-16, 1864 

Dallas, Ga May 25 to June 4, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Noonday Creek, Ga June 15, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. (general 

assault) June 27, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's first sortie) .. .July 22, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. 2, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga August 31 to Sept. 2, 1864 

Lovejoy Station, Ga September 2-6, 1864 

Griswoldville, Ga November 22, 1864 

Savannah, Ga December 10-21, 1864 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This regiment served on the exterior line, at Haynes' 
Bluff and Oak Ridge, from about June 12, 1863, until the end 
of the siege, July 4, without reported casualties." 



g6 . Ohio at Vicksburg 



47th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

THIS was one of the earlier regiments raised in Ohio, at a 
period when system in recruiting had not been attained. 
The old rule of the regular army was understood to be in force, 
requiring a full company to be assembled before a legal muster 
could be made. This was embarrassing, as it involved delay, 
tired out the men, and caused 'many to go home in disgust 
and remain there. 

In spite of these grave disabilities the regiment, through 
the perseverance of the Honorable Charles F. Wilstach, later 
Mayor of Cincinnati, was brought up to the required strength, 
and thenceforward was known as the "Wilstach Regiment." 

Its first rendezvous was at Camp Clay, Pendleton, on 
the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati, where the men began to 
assemble on the 15th of June, 1861. July 29th, the rule of 
muster having been adjusted. Companies A and B were 
mustered into the United States service, and the regiment 
moved to Camp Dennison, where its organization was com- 
pleted August 13. Thirteen nationalities were represented. 
Six companies were composed chiefly of Americans and four 
of Germans. 

Frederick Poschner, Jr., a native of Hungary, one of the 
heroes of the Revolution of "Forty-Eight," formerly an 
officer in the Prussian army, was elected colonel; Lyman S. 
Elliott, of Michigan, lieutenant-colonel, and Augustus C. 
Parry, of Cincinnati, major. 

On August 27 orders were received to move to Clarks- 
burg, W. Va., and report to General W. S. Rosecrans. Arms 
were issued to the men, and the same day the first dress parade 
of the regiment with arms occurred. The day following the 
regiment left on the cars for Benwood, western Virginia. 
Here the first ammunition was distributed, thus impressing 
the men with the fact that they had reached an enemy's soil, 
and that they were to commence dealing out war's horrors 
and punishments to rebellious traitors. This was August 29. 

Upon arriving at Clarksburg the regiment was reported 
to and reviewed by Brigadier-General Wm. S. Rosecrans. 



47TH Ohio Infantry 97 

At 12 o'clock m. the order to march was given, and that 
evening the regiment went into camp at a little place called 
Jam Loo, after making its first march with knapsacks, a 
distance of 18 miles. To say that the men were tired would 
not express the fact — they were literally exhausted by this 
first experience of the soldier's life. 

Reaching the town of Weston, the regiment camped on 
the West Fork of the Monongahela river. Two days after, 
Companies A, B, C, D, H, and K, under the colonel and 
major, were ordered to join the main army, leaving Companies 
E, F, G, and I, under Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott, to garrison 
the village. Colonel Poschner joined the main force of the 
National army with his regiment at BuUtown, on the Little 
Kanawha, and was brigaded with the 9th and 28th Ohio, 
under command of Colonel Robert L. McCook, whose com- 
mand was familiarly known, even at that early date, as the 
"Bully Dutch Brigade." 

Arrived at Sutton, Company B was left as a reenforce- 
ment to the garrison, w^hile the remainder moved forw^ard 
and took part in the battle of Carnifex ferry. Colonel Posch- 
ner, with his regiment, was detailed as the storming party, 
and was aw^aiting orders to advance, when night put an end 
to the conflict. Major Parry, in obedience to orders, brought 
the artillery from the field. 

September 24 the brigade crossed Gauley river and 
advanced on Big Sewell Mountain, encamping on an opposite 
peak to the Rebel fortifications. While on this mountain the 
regiment suff^ered almost beyond description. The heavy 
and incessant rains inundated the lowlands, swxpt away the 
bridges, and converted the roads into a continuous quagmire. 
It became next to impossible to transport supplies, so that the 
army was put upon quarter rations. The men had worn out 
their clothes, were without overcoats or tents, and during 
this most inclement season of the year were compelled to 
prosecute a vigorous campaign upon the mountain ranges 
of Virginia. The troops were at last compelled to retire to 
Gauley Bridge and vicinity. Colonel McCook's Brigade 
was assigned a camp on the Hamilton farm, about six miles 
east. While lying here the 47th Ohio, in company with the 
9th Ohio, crossed New^ river to Fayette C. H., and destroyed 
some Rebel property and placed obstructions in the roads. 



98 Ohio at Vicksburg 

The Rebel General, Floyd, making his way through and 
around the obstructions, made his appearance on the banks 
of New river, opposite the encampment of the 47th, and 
commenced a cannonade, lasting four days, and rendering 
the National camp almost uninhabitable. A few shots from 
Captain Mack's ten-pounder Parrotts silenced the Rebel 
batteries. While General Floyd remained the 47th was al- 
most constantly engaged in skirmishing with the Rebels on 
the river bank opposite the mountain. Upon his retreat, 
the regiment went into winter quarters on the Tompkins 
farm, Gauley Mountain. 

On the 19th of September Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott, 
with the three companies of the 47th, left as a garrison at 
Weston, marched to Cross Lanes to relieve the 13th Ohio and 
Schneider's Battery. That officer took measures to rid the 
country of the numerous guerrilla bands which infested it. 
His small force was almost continually engaged on expeditions, 
generally at night, avoiding roads, and marching with great 
celerity, surprising the enemy often when in fancied security 
at home or visiting families scarcely beyond the range of 
their picket fires. The country freed of guerrillas, the loyal 
inhabitants had a chance to organize for their own defense. 

The regiment was united at Gauley Mountain, December 
5, and began a line of fortifications covering Gauley Bridge 
and the Kanawha Valley from an advance on the Lewisburg 
road. This occupied the time up to April 23, 1862, except- 
ing the month of January, when, in obedience to orders from 
General J. D. Cox, Major A. C. Parry led an expedition to 
Little Sewell Mountain, drove the Rebels from their quarters, 
destroyed their works, and captured prisoners. 

On the 23d of April, Captain John Wallace, with three 
companies, was sent on an expedition to Lewisburg, and was 
alone until the loth of May, when he was reenforced by one 
company of the 44th and one from the 47th, and the 2d Battalion 
of the 2d .Virginia Cavalry, commanded by Major Hoffman. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott took command of this force and 
advanced upon Lewisburg the same night. This expedition 
proved a complete success. The enemy was completely 
routed and scattered, and his camp equipage, horses, and 
many prisoners, fell into the hands of the Nationals. In their 
flight, the Rebels threw away their arms, clothing, and, in 



47TH Ohio Infantry 99 

some cases, even their saddles. The cavalry returned to 
Gauley Bridge, leaving the place in possession of the infantry, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott, whose regiment had marched 
to Meadow Bluffs, where the 47th was joined by the 36th and 
44th Ohio, and with them made up the 3d Provisional Brigade 
of the Kanawha Division, under command of Colonel George 
Crook, of the 36th. On June 22d the brigade, on an expedi- 
tion through Monroe County, Va., compelled General Loring 
to retreat to Salt Pond Mountain, and captured a large num- 
ber of beef-cattle and considerable stores. This march was 
over 90 miles, occupied three days, and was severe on the men, 
who suffered from sunstroke and exhaustion. After a short 
rest, July 10, Major Parry commanding, the regiment marched 
to the relief of two companies of the 44th, and to ascertain 
the enemy's position, and rescue the family of Captain Harris. 
Crossing Greenbrier river in two columns, he moved upon a 
camp of the enemy, which was abandoned without a struggle. 
Making suitable provisions to protect his rear, Major Parry 
penetrated to Loring's camp, and then fell back to the inter- 
section of the Union and Centerville roads; but the enemy 
declined an encounter. On August 6 Major Parry was 
dispatched with four companies to reconnoiter the country 
in the northern part of the counties of Greenbrier and Poca- 
hontas, and drive the Moccasin Rangers therefrom. This 
was successfully done, by many miles of hard marching over 
the rugged hills of that region. The guerrillas were driven 
across Greenbrier river to White Sulphur Springs. Similar 
expeditions were sent out with like success. 

Reenforcements being ordered to General Pope in eastern 
Virginia, the regiment retired to the vicinity of Gauley Bridge. 
Upon arriving within seven miles of that place, two regiments 
of the brigade, the 44th and 47th Ohio, were ordered into 
camp. From this point four companies of the 47th, under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Parry, were sent to hold the country in 
and around Point Lookout and Locust Lanes. On the 3d 
of September the remaining six companies, under command of 
Colonel Elliott, were ordered to Summerville, then threatened 
by Jenkms. Colonel Elliott assumed command of the garrison 
and began preparations to receive the attack of the enemy, 
by throwing up breastworks; but September 10 it was resolved 
to retreat to Gauley Bridge. The retreat proved disastrous, 



100 Ohio at Vicksburg 

but was continued almost to Gallipolis, Ohio. The 47th, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Parry, was largely instrumental 
in saving the National army from capture. 

After maneuvering in the Kanawha Valley for some 
weeks, the 47th, on the 30th of December, 1862, embarked 
on steamers for Louisville, Ky., and Memphis, Tenn. Here 
the regiment joined the expedition against Vicksburg, in the 
3d Brigade, 2d Division, of the 13th Army Corps. Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Parry was promoted to colonel, and arrived at 
Vicksburg and began work on the canal late in Januar), 
1863. The regiment participated in the advance to the rear 
of Vicksburg, and reached Walnut Hills, behind Vicksburg. 
May 18, 1863. In this march many prisoners were captured 
from General Loring's forces. 

On May 19 Colonel Parry led an impetuous assault on 
Cemetery Hill, gaining a footing close under the works,' which 
was held until nightfall; becoming too hot, it was abandoned. 
The loss was very severe. Again, on the 22d, Colonel Parry 
led the charge, with the same result. Until the surrender, 
the regiment was in the front line, and occupied Cemetery 
Hill Fort. During most of the siege its camp was but 300 
yards from the enemy's main line, and the pickets were in such 
close proximity that they could bayonet each other by little 
exertion. 

The next day after the city was occupied, the 47th was 
dispatched towards Jackson, Miss., after Johnston's Rebel 
forces. It participated in the attack and capture of Jackson. 
Colonel A. C. Parry was made Provost-Marshal, and his regi- 
ment destroyed the Rebel fortifications and the railroad track 
about the city. September 27, 1863, the corps returned to 
Big Black river, and thence to Vicksburg, where it took trans- 
ports for Memphis, where the 47th, with its brigade and divi- 
sion, received orders to march to Germantown. 

On October 9 the regiment was sent to Corinth, Miss., 
as guard to the corps train. Corinth was reached October 15. 
On the 17th the march was resumed for luka; thence to Cher- 
okee Station, Ala., and, after a halt of five days, to Tuscumbia. 
While here. Colonel Parry successfully forwarded important 
dispatches to General Sherman at Florence, Ala., Sergeant 
Madison Richardson and Corporal William Weber, of Company 
F, 47th Ohio, carried them down a portion of the Tennessee 
river where a LTnionist had not sailed for a year. 



47TH Ohio Infantry - loi 

On October 21, 1863, the 47th arrived opposite Chat- 
tanooga, and October 23 moved to the mouth of South Chat- 
tanooga Creek, and constructed, on the south side of the Ten- 
nessee river, rifle-pits for the regiment. By daybreak the 
pits were finished. At noon, Lieutenant-Colonel Wallace 
in command of the skirmish line, the whole army advanced 
and opened the battle of Chicamauga. 

Colonel Parry was ordered to cover Wood's Battery, 
and hold his regiment in reserve. When the summit of Mis- 
sion Ridge was gained the 47th Ohio occupied a point on 
Mission Ridge adjacent to Tunnel Hill. Without halting 
the line was advanced to the southern slope, and met a brigade 
of the enemy ascending. The Rebels were checked, but 
again and again advanced, covered by their artillery, and as 
often driven back. The Rebels then made a demonstration 
on the left, and w-ere again promptly hurled back. A dense 
fog now settled over the Ridge and prevented further move- 
ments. October 25 the 47th was in full pursuit of the enemy. 
On the 28th it entered Graysville and destroyed a machine- 
shop, storehouse, and mills, which had been used for manu- 
facturing arms. 

The 47th marched with the rest of the forces to the re- 
lief of General Burnside, at Knoxville, and was within four 
miles of Maryville, November 6, where information of the 
retreat of Longstreet's Rebel force was received, causing a 
return to Chattanooga. This was severe; the men were with- 
out shoes, scantily clothed, and almost without rations, and 
marching left their footprints in blood on the frozen ground. 
Bellefonte was reached early in January. 

On January 5 the regiment, under Major Taylor, marched 
to Larkin's Landing for the purpose of surprising a force, 
but through some chance the Rebels were apprised, and 
escaped. 

On January 30. the 47th joined a diversion against Rome, 
Georgia. It crossed the river and marched through the 
"Narrows," via the Sand Mountain road to Lebanon, Ala. 
On February 3 the Rebels appeared in force and a spirited 
skirmish continued until noon. At i p. m. the regiment 
marched for Larkin's Landing, arriving February 6. 

While here, by request of Colonel Parry, then in command 
of the 2d Division of the 15th Army Corps, Major Taylor and 



102 Ohio at Vicksburg 

his officers persuaded one-half of the men to reenlist as veterans, 
and at a subsequent meeting, when Colonel Parry was present, 
the required three-fourths reenlisted. Thus the 47th became 
a veteran regiment, but was not permitted to enjoy its furlough, 
so that the men became somewhat soured. Through the 
officers of the regiment. General Thomas promised that it 
should, after a certain date, enjoy its thirty days' furlough. 
This calmed the men, and again, March 6, three-fourths 
reenlisted, were mustered, and on the i8th took cars at Bridge- 
port for Cincinnati, arriving Tuesday, March 22, 1864. 

On April 25, its furlough having expired, the 47th re- 
assembled, to a man, at Camp Dennison, Ohio, and May 3 
resumed its proper place in the army, at Stevenson, Ala. 

The Atlanta campaign had been initiated, and the first 
duty was to march from Chattanooga to Sugar Valley, near 
Rossville, where it threw up log breastworks. May ii these 
were evacuated, and the campaign commenced. Space will 
not permit a statement of daily marches and encounters with 
the enemy, the gallant fighting, etc. The enemy was met 
at Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Kingston, Dallas, New Hope 
Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw, and Ezra Church. At Ken- 
esaw Colonel Parry was severely wounded, and the command 
devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Wallace, who led it until 
made prisoner in the action before Atlanta. He was succeeded 
in command by Major Taylor. Colonel Parry recovered 
from his wound, and resumed command on September 30. 

At Hood's dash to the rear of Sherman's forces, the 47th 
participated up to and beyond Rome, Ga., almost constantly 
skirmishing. On the march the regiment was reenforced by 
400 conscripts and substitutes, who were quickly drilled and 
disciplined. 

On November 15, the 47th, with Sherman's army, com- 
menced its "march to the sea." This resembled some gala 
excursion, so free was it from annoyance. Wild flowers were 
blooming by the wayside, and in lawns and gardens, with 
the freshness and fragrance of spring. December 10 the 
regiment went into camp twelve miles from Savannah, with 
flooded rice-fields and the enemy in front. 

On Monday, December 13, at 7 o'clock a. m., the 
assault on Fort McAllister commenced, the 47th occupying 
the advance. The ground between the command and the 



47TH Ohio Infantry 103 

fort was level and open, and about half-way between the line 
and the fort was a strong plank fence. The order of battle 
was: the 47th Ohio on the extreme left, its flank resting on 
the river, in the center the 54th Ohio, and on the right the 1 1 ith 
Illinois. In the center was the 3d, and on the right the 1st 
Brigade. The fort numbered twenty guns, which, with the 
exception of those on the river front, were en barbette. Thir- 
teen of them could be brought to bear on the 2d Brigade. 

At ten minutes to five p. m. the charge was sounded. 
The enemy opened rapidly with his inland guns; but so eff^ec- 
tive was the fire of Captain Brackmann's skirmish fire that, 
although the regiment was compelled to pass over such a space 
of cleared ground and climb the fence, very little damage was 
done. As the regiment approached, it was discovered that 
the enemy had neglected to construct his line of abattis to 
low-water mark, and it being ebb-tide, there was an unob- 
structed passage on the beach. Colonel Parry immediately 
swung the wings of his regiment together and scaled the 
parapet from that front, taking the land batteries in flank and 
reverse. It required two volleys from the regiment before the 
enemy abandoned his guns and retreated to the bomb-proofs. 
In pursuing them into a bomb-proof. Major Taylor was 
severely wounded in the right hand. 

A contest arose between the 47th and 70th Ohio, as to 
whose colors were first planted on the fort. The witnesses of 
the assault, while at the fort, inquired into the matter. Several 
of General Hazen's staff, who were overlooking the entire 
movement, decided that the colors came up first from the 
river front, and, as the 47th alone assaulted from that front, 
it was its colors that first reached the fort. 

On Christmas Day Savannah was occupied. The troops, 
after resting a few days, started on the campaign to Raleigh, 
N. C, where the news of Lee's and Johnston's surrender 
was received. Shortly after, the 47th marched through 
the Rebel capital to Washington City, and there participated 
in the Grand Review. 

When the 47th entered the field, it numbered 830 men; 
at the termination of the Atlanta campaign, it numbered only 
120 men, but was subsequently reenforced by 400 drafted 
men and substitutes. 

On the surrender of the Confederate forces. Lieutenant- 



i'o4 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Colonel Wallace was paroled, and, under orders from the 
War Department, May 15, 1865, was mustered out of service. 
In a short time he died from the effects of starvation while a 
prisoner of war. 

Both Colonel Parry and Colonel Taylor were promoted 
to the rank of Brigadier-General by brevet, toward the close 
of their services. 

From Washington the regiment was carried to Cincinnati, 
and thence to Little Rock, Arkansas, where it served as a part 
of the "Army of Occupation" until August 11, when it was 
mustered out and ordered to Camp Dennison, Ohio, where 
it arrived August 22, and on the 24th, was paid off and dis- 
charged, having served a period of four years, two months, and 
nine days, and campaigned through all the slave states excfept 
Texas, Florida, and Missouri. 

Of its field officers, Brigadier-General A. C. Parry, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel L. S. Elliott, and Lieutenant-Colonel John 
Wallace have died. 

During its term of service, this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Carnifex ferry, W. Va Sept. 10, 1861 

Lewisburg, W. Va May 23, 1862 

Jackson, Miss May 14, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (assaults) May 19-22, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Resaca, Ga May 13-16, 1864 

Dallas, Ga May 25 to June 4, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. (general 

assault) June 27, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's first sortie). . .July 22, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. 2, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga August 31 to Sept. 2, 1864 

Statesboro, Ga December 4, 1864 

Fort McAllister, Ga December 13, 1864 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 47th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 



I^f^-^ 





48th Ohio Infantry 105 



CASUALTIES. 



"In the assault May 19, 1863, killed 13, wounded 40, 
missing 6, total 59. In the assault May 22, 1863, killed 6, 
wounded 26, missing i, total 33. And during the siege not 
reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege: killed 19, wounded 66, missing 7, 
total 92." 



48th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

THIS regiment was organized at Camp Dennison on the 
17th of February, 1862, and soon after reported to General 
W. T. Sherman, at Paducah, Ky. After a short rest at Padu- 
cah it moved up the Tennessee river, on the steamer Express, 
and on the 19th of March disembarked at Pittsburg Landing. 
On the 4th of April, while the regiment was on drill, 
firing was heard, and the 48th at once moved in the direction 
of the sound; but the enemy fell back, and at nightfall the 
regiment returned to its quarters. About 7 o'clock on the 
morning of the 6th the regiment advanced upon the enemy, 
and was soon warmly engaged. Charge after charge was 
repulsed, and though the Rebel fire was making fearful gaps 
in the line, the men stood firm. A battery was sent to the 
regiment's aid, but, after firing four shots, it retired. The 
Rebels then advanced, confidently expecting to capture the 
regiment, but they were driven back, and the 48th withdrew 
to its supports, having been ordered three times by General 
Sherman to fall back. It is claimed that General Johnston, 
of the Rebel army, was killed in this portion of the battle by 
some member of the 48th. The regiment was actively engaged 
"during the remainder of the day; and, late in the afternoon, in 
connection with the 24th Ohio and 36th Indiana, it partici- 
pated in a decisive attack on the Rebel lines. It acted through- 
out in Buckland's Brigade of Sherman's Division — a brigade 
which had no share in the early rout of a part of that division. 
On the second day of the battle, about 10 o'clock a. m., 
the regiment went into action across an open field, under a 



io6 Ohio at Vicksburg 

galling fire, and continued constantly exposed until the close 
of the engagement. The 48th lost about one-third of its 
members in this battle. 

From this time until after the close of the rebellion, the 
regiment engaged continually in active duty. In the attack 
upon Corinth, the 48th was among the first organized troops 
to enter the Rebel works. In General Sherman's first expedi- 
tion to Vicksburg, it occupied, with credit, a position on the 
right in the assault; and it was in Sherman's expedition up the 
Arkansas river, and distinguished itself in the battle of Arkan- 
sas Post. It was with Grant during his Vicksburg campaign; 
fought at MagnoHa Hills and Champion's Hill; and partici- 
pated in a general assault on the Rebel works in the rear of 
Vicksburg, May 23, 1863. On the 25th of June following, 
another general assault was made upon the same works, and 
the 48th was ordered to cross an open field, exposed to two 
enfilading batteries, to take position in the advanced line of 
rifle-pits, and to pick off the enemy's gunners. This order 
was successfully executed. It took a prominent part in the 
battle of Jackson, Miss., and soon after engaged in the fight 
at Bayou Teche. At Sabine Cross Roads the 48th, then a 
mere remnant of its former self, severely punished the "Cres- 
cent Regiment;" but, in turn, it was overpowered and captured. 
It was not exchanged until October, 1864. The majority 
of the men in the regiment reenlisted, but, on account of the 
capture, they never received their veteran furlough. After 
its exchange the regiment shared in the capture of Mobile. 

After the surrender of the Rebel armies, the remaining 
165 men of this regiment were ordered to Texas. The regi- 
ment was at last mustered out of the service in May, 1866. 

During its term of service, this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 7, 1862 

Corinth, Miss October 3, 4, 1862 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1 862 

Arkansas Post, Ark. (Ft. Hindman) January 11, 1863 

Port Gibson, Miss May i, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Big Black river bridge. Miss May 17, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (assaults) May 19 and May 22, 1863. 



53D Ohio Infantry 107 

Jackson, Miss, (siege of) July 9-16, 1863. 

Sabine Cross Roads, La April 8, 1864 

Fort Blakely, Ala April 9, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

* *<In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, sustained no casual- 
ties. In the battle of Champion's Hill, May 16, sustained no 
casualties. In the assault, May 19, sustained no casualties. 
In the assault. May 22, killed 10, wounded 25, total 35. And 
during the siege, killed i, wounded 11, missing i, total 13. 
"Aggregate reported casualties in the regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed ii,wounded 36, missing i, total 48." 



53d REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

THIS regiment was authorized by Governor Dennison, 
September 6, 1861, and the rendezvous established at 
Jackson, Ohio. The organization was completed in January, 
1862, and the regiment was ordered to prepare for the field. 

On the 1 6th of February the regiment embarked on a 
steamboat at Portsmouth, Ohio, and proceeding to Paducah, 
Ky., reported to General W. T. Sherman, and was assigned 
to the 3d Brigade of Sherman's Division. The division 
moved on transports to Savannah, Tennessee, and, remaining 
a day, started on an expedition to destroy the Memphis and 
Charleston Railroad, near luka, Miss. Upon their return, 
they disembarked at Pittsburg Landing, and after making 
reconnoissance of about ten miles and finding no enemy, 
went into camp near the Landing, and the next day moved 
near to Shiloh Church. On account of being confined so long 
on transports, sickness increased very rapidly, and on April 
6 the Surgeon's report showed over 300 men and half the 
officers of the 53d unfit for duty. 

The regiment maintained itself tolerably during the battle 
of Pittsburg Landing, several of the companies keeping in 



io8 Ohio at Vicksburg 

almost perfect order all the time. After the close of the 
struggle, on the morning of the 8th, it pursued the retreating 
enemy, and when about five miles from camp was deployed 
to support a battalion of cavalry. The enemy made a charge, 
routed the cavalry, and captured many prisoners. The 53d, 
in turn, charged the enemy, drove them from the field, and 
rescued most of the prisoners. Here the regiment halted, 
assisted in destroying the late camp of the enemy, in collect- 
ing arms, in carrying off the wounded, and in burying the 
dead, and then returned to its old camp near Shiloh Church. 

The regiment remained in camp, engaged in drilling, 
until the 29th of April, when it advanced on Corinth. The 
regiment suffered much from sickness, and the fatigue duty 
was very heavy. Mile after mile of earthworks and intrench- 
ments were thrown up, and skirmishes between the outposts 
were constant, occasionally swelling almost to the proportions 
of a battle. In everything of this kind the regiment bore its 
full share, and won the confidence and commendation of its 
commanding officers. About the 15th of May the 3d Brigade 
was reorganized and placed under the command of Brigadier- 
General J. W. Denver. After the evacuation of Corinth the 
4th and 5th Divisions of the Army of the Tennessee, under 
Major-General Sherman, started westward along the Memphis 
and Charleston Railroad. The march was a very severe one 
on account of the intense heat and the dusty condition of the 
roads. The 3d Brigade remained a week at Moscow, then 
moved to Lafayette, then back to Moscow, then to Holly 
Springs, and, after a short skirmish, occupied the town on the 
first of July. Remaining about a week the brigade returned 
to Moscow, and in a few days received orders to march for 
Memphis, where it arrived on the 21st. 

The regiment camped south of the city, near Fort Pick- 
ering, and performed a large amount of fatigue duty on the 
Fort. On the 26th of November the brigade, with other 
troops, left Memphis on a tour through Mississippi. Mean- 
time General Denver had assumed command of the division, 
and Colonel J. R. Cockerill, of the 70th Ohio, commanded 
the brigade. The weather was very unfavorable, as it rained 
almost continually for ten or twelve days, making the roads 
nearly impassable, and the creeks and rivers were so swollen 
that they could not be forded, so that it was necessary io fell 



53D Ohio Infantry , 109 

and split timber for bridges. They advanced, in spite of all 
obstacles, as far as Coffeeville, on the Mississippi Central 
Railroad, where it was learned that Van Dorn had captured 
Holly Springs, and the command immediately returned to 
that place (which the enemy evacuated), and then moved to 
Lagrange, Tenn., which was reached early in January, 
1863. The regiment remained here some time and assisted 
in building a fort. On the night of the 4th of March a fire 
occurred in the quartermaster's tent, and several boxes of 
ammunition exploded, burning four men badly, two of w^hom 
died, and the other two recovered after a long and painful 
illness. On the 7th of March the brigade moved to Moscow, 
and the 53d was engaged in guard duty and drill from day to 
day. After a few^ weeks the country was found to be infested 
w^ith marauding bands, and the 53d w^as mounted and succeeded 
in putting an end to such annoyances. On the 9th of June, 
1863, the regiment left camp, and in the afternoon embarked 
on the steamer Luminary, at Memphis, and proceeded down 
the river to Young's Point, arriving on the 12th. Hearing 
here that Joe Johnston was endeavoring to raise the siege of 
Vicksburg, the regiment at once proceeded up the Yazoo to 
Snyder's Bluff, and disembarked. The regiment remained 
here a few days and then moved to Oak Ridge, and on the 
afternoon of July 4, 1863, moved against Johnston. The 
enemy was met at Black river, but after a little skirmishing 
retired to Jackson. The 53d assisted in the capture of that 
city and then returned to Black river on the 20th of July, 
and went into camp. 

About the 1st of October the regiment embarked on 
transports at Vicksburg and moved to Memphis. About 
the middle of October the regiment proceeded via Lagrange, 
to luka, thence to the Tennessee river, which was crossed at 
Eastport, then to Florence, Ala., and then to Trenton, Ga. 
The 53d was among the first regiments to enter the town and 
expel the enemy. From here the regiment moved slowly 
tow^ard the Tennessee river, and on the 24th was in position 
before Mission Ridge. The 53d occupied the second line, 
but so close was it to the front that it was equally exposed to 
the enemy's fire. The next day the regiment joined in pur- 
suing the enemy, and on the 26th moved for Knoxville via 
Cleveland Junction, thence to the Holston river, which was 



no Ohio at Vicksburg 

crossed at Morgantown, and then on as rapidly as possible to 
Maryville. Here information of Longstreet's retreat was 
received, and after a few days' rest the regiment returned, by 
almost the same route that it advanced, to Chattanooga, 
arriving late in December. In a few days the regiment was 
ordered to Scattsboro', Ala., on the Memphis and Charleston 
Railroad, which point was reached about the ist of January, 
1863. Here almost every man in the regiment reenlisted, 
and by the last of February the entire regiment was on fur- 
lough in Ohio, where it remained till April, and then returned 
to the old camp at Scottsboro', Ala. 

On the 1st of May the 53d moved via Stevenson and 
Bridgeport to Chattanooga, Tenn., and about the 5th con- 
tinued the march through the mountains of northern Georgia 
into Sugar Valley, where the enemy was strongly posted, but 
was soon dislodged. The column then proceeded toward 
Resaca, and about two miles from town was halted and formed 
for battle, the 53d being in the front line. On the afternoon 
of the 13th of May the advance was made, the 53d being among 
the first to draw the enemy's fire. As soon as the enemy's 
position was ascertained, a charge was made and the Rebels 
driven from hill to hill, till nightfall. The next day was 
spent in skirmishing till sunset, when a charge was ordered, 
the 53d rushing forward eagerly and assisting in taking the 
enemy's works. From this point, the enemy having retreated, 
the regiment moved to Dallas, where, on the 23d, they met the 
enemy in force. Skirmishing ensued until the 27th, when a 
general engagement took place and the enemy was completely 
routed. Skirmishing again continued until the 4th of June, 
when the enemy withdrew, slowly and stubbornly, to Kene- 
saw Mountain. The 53d skirmished day after day till it reached 
the foot of the mountain, and on the night of the 26th of June, 
moved four miles to the right, fronting Little Kenesaw. The 
next day at seven o'clock a. m. it took its place in the brigade, 
with orders to charge the enemy on Little Kenesaw. The 
regiment moved up in fine order, driving the Rebels from 
t]?eir works, fighting hand-to-hand with clubbed muskets. 
It suffered severely in the engagement, but held the works 
the remainder of the day under a terrific fire of shot and shell. 

On the 2d of July the regiment was moved to the extreme 
right flank of the army, and the next day was ordered to make 



53D Ohio Infantry hi 

a reconnoissance to Ruff's Mills, on the Nickajack, two miles 
from camp. The regiment had only just cleared the picket 
line when it became engaged, and for an hour was exposed to 
heavy lire of grape and shrapnel. The division moved out, 
and in two hours the Rebels were driven from Nickajack Creek. 
The next day was spent in pursuing and skirmishing, and that 
night Johnston withdrew from Kenesaw. Two days later 
the 53d crossed the Chattahoochie and moved to the Atlanta 
and Augusta Railroad, at Stone Mountain, followed the rail- 
road to Decatur, and then, meeting the enemy, it drove the 
Rebel forces to Atlanta. The regiment skirmished continually 
during the siege of Atlanta, and was closely engaged at Ezra 
Chapel, and again on the Macon Railroad. 

After the fall of Atlanta the 53d pursued Hood across the 
mountains of northern Georgia, and some distance into 
Alabama, and then returned to Atlanta. The regiment 
marched with Sherman for Savannah, meeting with no opposi- 
tion, till near Milledgeville a few militia opposed them, but 
they were scattered. The regiment subsisted off the country, 
and relied upon the commissary only for sugar, coffee and salt. 
On reaching the Ogeechee they moved down the west bank 
till near its junction with the Canouchee, and there forced a 
crossing with little difficulty. The 53d assisted in surprising 
the guard on the Gulf Railroad, in destroying about five 
miles of track, and returned next day to the Ogeechee, and 
pushed on to Savannah. The regiment shared in the capture 
of Fort McAllister, and after remaining on duty in Savannah 
a few weeks, embarked at the mouth of the Savannah for 
Beaufort, S. C. 

Early in February, 1865, the 53d started on the campaign 
of the Carolinas, doing no fighting until near Columbia, but 
performing an immense amount of labor in destroying rail- 
roads. At the North Edisto the 53d, exposed to a heavy fire, 
marched over low ground, covered with water from one to 
four feet deep, grown up with cypress and briers, a distance of 
600 yards, and assisted in driving the enemy from his in- 
trenchments on the opposite bank of the river. At the Con- 
garee the enemy again made a stand, but was soon driven from 
his position. The day before entering the city of Columbia, 
the regiment was ordered to silence a battery, which it did 
effectually by approaching it unperceived, and firing volley 



112 Ohio at Vicksburg 

after volley till the horses of the battery were either killed or 
disabled, and the men driven from the guns. At night the 
regiment retired, and joined the brigade at four a. m. next 
morning. On the afternoon of the 15th of July, 1865, the 
53d entered Columbia. After remaining a iew days and 
utterly destroying everything valuable to the enemy, the com- 
mand moved tov^ard Goldsboro', North Carolina. At Fayette- 
ville four days v^ere spent in destroying a Rebel arsenal, and 
in laying a pontoon bridge; and a large amount of provisions 
which the Rebel authorities had stored here for supplying 
the army were seized and issued to the citizens. 

On the 19th of March, and when within two days' march 
of Goldsboro', the enemy attacked the advance of the 20th 
Corps. The fight lasted all day, and at night the 53d was 
a part of the reenforcements ordered to them. The regiment 
marched all night in the mud and darkness, and just before 
day came upon the beleaguered corps. After 24 hours' 
marching, without sleep, the regiment was placed in position 
for attack, but at daylight it was found that the enemy had 
retreated. After resting a day the regiment moved forward 
and went into camp at Goldsboro' on the 21st of March. 
The march to Raleigh was resumed on the loth of April, and 
after considerable skirmishing the regiment marched into the 
city on the 13th, and camped on the northwest side, fronting 
the enemy. 

In about ten days after the surrender of Johnston the 
regiment marched through Virginia to Washington, D. C, 
and participated in the Grand Review. Soon after the review 
the regiment proceeded by railroad to Parkersburg, and thence 
on the steamer Sherman to Louisville. In June the division 
of which the 53d was a part was ordered to Little Rock, Ark. 

The regiment proceeded down the Ohio and Mississippi, 
and up White River to Duvall's Bluff, and then by railroad to 
Little Rock, where it arrived on the 4th of July. 

The regiment remained here until the i ith of August, 
when it was mustered out and ordered to Camp Dennison for 
discharge; having traveled while in the service 6,400 miles, 
having been engaged in 67 battles and skirmishes, and having 
lost in action 60 officers and men killed, and 264 officers and 
men wounded. 

The misfortunes of the 53d in its first action, long in- 



53D Ohio Infantry 113 

fluenced both its morale and its reputation. Colonel Appier's 
statement (in his official report which subordinate officers 
wrote and took to him for signature) was this: "Seemg an 
overwhelming force of the enemy overlapping the regiment 
on either flank, I gave the order to retreat, and soon after left 
the regiment." General Sherman spoke of its conduct as 
discreditable. The newspapers said the 53d and 77th ran 
without firing a gun, leaving Waterhouse's battery to be cap- 
tured; although, in point of fact, one section of the battery 
left before its supports, without firing a gun. The officers 
claim for the regiment that it maintained its organization 
throughout both days of the fight (which very few of Sherman's 
regiments did), that it never refused to obey an order, and 
never made a movement without orders. Sherman praised 
the 53d highly the next day in the reconnoissance (when it 
really saved him from capture), though, with not unusual 
inconsistency, he subsequently denied it. But he took pains 
in his letter about Pittsburg Landing to the United States 
Service Magazine, in 1864, to say: "I also take pleasure in 
adding, that nearly all the new troops that at Shiloh drew from 
me official censure, have more than redeemed their good name; 
among them that very regiment which first broke, the 53d 
Ohio, Colonel Appier. Under another leader, Colonel Jones, 
it has shared every campaign and expedition of mine since, 
is with me now, and can march, and bivouac, and fight as well 
as the best regiment in this or any army. Its reputation now 
is equal to that of any from the State of Ohio." 

During its term of service, this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 7, 1862 

Monterey, Tenn April 28, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (siege of) April 30, 1862 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 

Black river, Miss July i, 2, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Mission Ridge, Tenn November 25, 1863 

Resaca, Ga May 13-16, 1864 

Dallas, Ga May 25 to June 4, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 27, 1864 

Ruff's Mills, Ga July 3, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's first sortie).. -July 22, 1864 



114 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Atlanta, Ga. (Ezra Chapel; Hood's 

second sortie) July 28, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. 2, 1864 

jonesboro, Ga August 31, Sept. 2, 1864 

Fort McAllister, Ga December 13, 1864 

North Edisto river, S. C February 12, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 53d Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Vicksburg National Mili- 
tary Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This regiment served on the exterior line at Haines' 
Bluff, and Oak Ridge, from June 12, 1863, until the end of 
the siege, July 4, without reported casualties." 



54th OHIO REGIMENT VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

RECRUITING for this regiment began in the latter part of 
the summer of 1861, the place of rendezvous being Camp 
Dennison, where the regiment was organized and drilled 
during the fall and winter of 1861. The men composing this 
command were from the counties of Allen, Auglaize, Butler, 
Cuyahoga, Fayette, Greene, Hamilton, Logan, and Preble. 

On the 17th of February, 1862, the regiment went into 
the field with an aggregate of 850 men. 1 he 54th reached 
Paducah, Ky., February 20, 1862, and was assigned to a brigade 
in the division commanded by General Sherman. On the 
6th of March the command ascended the Tennessee river, 
disembarked at Pittsburg Landing, and camped near Shiloh 
Church. On the 6th of April the regiment engaged in the 
battle of Pittsburg Landing, its position being on the extreme 
left of the army; but, on the second day, it was assigned a new 
position near the center of the line. 

In the two days' fighting the regiment sustained a loss of 
198 men killed, wounded and missing. On the 29th of April 
the regiment moved upon Corinth, skirmishing severely at 
Russell House, May 17, and engaging in the movement upon 
the works at Corinth, May 31. On the' morning of the evacu- 
ation the 54th was among the first organized bodies of troops 
to enter the town. The regimental colors were unfurled from 



54TH Ohio Infantry 115 

a public building, and the regiment was designated to perform 
provost duty, the commanding officer of the regiment being 
appointed commandant of the post of Corinth., 

The regiment moved with the army to Lagrange, Tenn., 
and from there to Holly Springs, Miss., and then returned to 
Corinth. Soon after it again marched to Holly Springs; 
from there to Moscow, Tenn., and thence to Memphis, where 
it arrived July 21, 1862. During the summer the regiment 
was engaged in several expeditions; and on the 26th of Novem- 
ber it moved with the army toward Jackson, Miss., by way of 
Holly Springs. The regiment soon returned to Memphis, 
and with a portion of the army, under General Sherman, 
moved down the Mississippi, and went into position before 
the enemy's line at Chickasaw Bayou. It was engaged in the 
assault on the Rebel works, December 28 and 29, with a loss 
of 20 men killed and wounded. On the ist of January, 1863, 
the regiment withdrew, ascended the Mississippi and Arkan- 
sas rivers, and engaged in the assault and capture of Arkansas 
Post. The 54th again descended the Mississippi river and 
disembarked at Young's Point, La. Here it was employed 
in digging a canal, and in other demonstrations connected 
with the siege of Vicksburg. It w^as on a severe march among 
the bayous to the rear of Vicksburg, which resulted in the rescue 
of the fleet of gunboats which was about to be abandoned 
and destroyed. 

On the 6th of May the regiment began its march to the 
rear of Vicksburg, by way of Grand Gulf, and was engaged in 
the battles of Champion's Hill and Big Black bridge. It was 
engaged in a general assault on the enemy's works, in the rear 
of Vicksburg, on the 19th and 22d of June, losing in the two 
engagements 47 killed and wounded. It was continually 
employed in skirmishing and fatigue duty during the siege of 
Vicksburg, except for six days, which were consumed in a 
march of observation toward Jackson, Miss. 

After the fall of Vicksburg the 54th moved with the army 
upon Jackson, Miss., and was constantly engaged in skirmish- 
ing from the 9th to the 14th of July. After the capture of 
Jackson the regiment returned to Vicksburg, and remained 
until October, 1863, when forming a part of the Fifteenth Army 
Corps, it ascended the Mississippi river to Memphis, and 
from there proceeded to Chattanooga. It was engaged in 



ii6 Ohio at Vicksburg 

the battle of Missionary Ridge, November 26, and the next 
day marched to the relief of the garrison at Knoxville, Tenn. 
It pursued the enemy's wagon train from Knoxville through 
the southeastern portion of Tennessee and a short distance 
into North Carolina, and then returned to Chattanooga, and 
moved thence to Larkinsville, Ala., where it went into winter 
quarters, January 12, 1864. 

The regiment was mustered into the service as a veteran 
organization on the 22d of January, and at once started to 
Ohio on furlough. It returned to camp in April, with an 
addition of 200 recruits, and entered on the Atlanta campaign 
on the 1st of May. It participated in a general engagement 
at Resaca, and at Dallas, and in a severe skirmish at New 
Hope Church, June 6 and 7. It was in the general assault 
upon Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, losing 28 killed and wound- 
ed; was engaged in a severe skirmish at Nickajack Creek, 
July 3, losing 13 killed and wounded, and was in a battle 
on the east side of Atlanta, July 21 and 22, sustaining a loss 
of 94 killed, wounded and missing. 

The 54th lost 8 men killed and wounded at Ezra Chapel 
on the 28th of July, and from the 29th of July to the 27th of 
August it was almost continually engaged in skirmishing before 
the works at Atlanta. It was in a heavy skirmish at Jones- 
boro', August 30, and in a general action at the same place 
the two days immediately following. After resting a few 
weeks in camp near Atlanta, the regiment started in pursuit 
of Hood, and followed him within 60 miles of Chattanooga, 
and from there to Gadsden, Ala., when it returned to Atlanta, 
and prepared for the march to Savannah. The 54th started 
on that wonderful march on the 15th of November, and on the 
15th of December was engaged in the assault and capture of 
Fort McAllister, near Savannah. The regiment assisted in 
the destruction of the Gulf Railroad toward the Altamaha 
river, and on the 7th of January, 1865, marched into Savannah. 
After a rest of several weeks, it moved with the army on the 
march through the Carolinas, skirmishing at the crossing of 
the South Edisto and North Edisto rivers, on the loth and I2th 
of February, respectively. It was closely engaged in the 
vicinity of Columbia, and participated in its last battle at 
Bentonsville, N. C, March 21, 1865. 

The regiment marched to Richmond, Va., and from there 
to Washington City, where it took part in the Grand Review of 



54TH Ohio Infantry 117 

the Western Army. On the 2d of June it was transported 
by railroad and steamboat to Louisville Ky., and after re- 
maining two weeks there it proceeded to Little Rock, Ark., 
and there performed garrison duty until August 15, 1865, 
when it was mustered out. The regiment returned to Camp 
Dennison, Ohio, where it received final pay, and was disbanded 
on the 24th of August, 1865. 

The aggregate strength of the regiment at muster-out 
was 255 — 24 officers and 231 men. It marched during its 
term of service a distance of 3,682 miles, participated in 4 
sieges, 9 severe skirmishes, 15 general engagements, and 
sustained a loss of 506 men killed, wounded and missing. 

During its term of service, this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 7, 1862 

Corinth, Miss April 30, 1862 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 

Arkansas Post, Ark. (Ft. Hindman) January 11, 1863 

Jackson, Miss May 14, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Big Black river bridge, Miss May 1 7, 1 863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (assaults) May 19 and May 22, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Resaca, Ga May 13-16, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 27, 1864 

Nickajack Creek, Ga July 2-5, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga July 22, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. 2, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga August 31, Sept. 2, 1864 

Fort McAllister, Ga December 13, 1864 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 54th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the assault May 19, 1863: killed 2, wounded 13, 
total 15. In the assault. May 22, killed i, wounded 4, total 
5; and during the siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 3, wounded 17, total 20." 



ii8 Ohio at Vicksburg 



56th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 
Record by General Wm. H. Raynor. 

THIS regiment was organized at Portsmouth, Ohio, in the 
fall and winter of 1861. The rank and file came mostly 
from Scioto County, but there were representatives from the 
counties of Pike, Gallia and Jackson, among both officers and 
men. The country around Portsmouth had already sent a 
large number of volunteers into previous organizations, and 
recruits were not plenty. Nevertheless the officers appointed 
were not daunted, but proceeded, energetically, to fill up the 
ranks. The field officers appointed and duly mustered were: 
Peter Kinney, colonel; Wm. H. Raynor, lieutenant-colonel; 
Sampson E. Varner, major; Henry E. Jones, adjutant; W. H. 
King, surgeon; W. C. Payne, assistant surgeon; W. S. Houston, 
quartermaster; Jonathan E. Thomas, chaplain. 

Colonel Kinney was a wealthy and well-known banker. 
He was a man of strong military proclivities; had been cap- 
tain of the local military company years before. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Raynor had been a lieutenant of Company G, ist 
Ohio, in the three months' service; he had been wounded and 
captured at the first Bull Run battle, taken to the Richmond 
prison, from which he had escaped as soon as his wound 
healed sufficiently for him to travel. Adjutant Jones had 
served as a sergeant in the same Company during the three 
months' service. The remaining field officers were without 
previous military experience, nevertheless each and all 
diligently employed every moment in drilling, studying and 
preparing themselves and the men to fittingly perform each 
his part in the great drama of war. 

The weather, however, was not propitious for a soldier's 
life. Copious rains caused Camp Morrow to become a sea 
of mud. The Ohio river overflowed its banks and entered 
the camp, which became untenable; the regiment moved 
January 21 to Camp Kinney, on high ground near Colonel 
Kinney's residence. The change from home comforts to 
camp life, and consequent exposure to bad weather, was hard 
on the men, many becoming sick. An epidemic of measles 



56th Ohio Infantry 119 

broke out, and fully 250 cases occurred; quite a number died 
and many were disabled to such an extent that they were 
unfit for further service. 

The regiment had reached its minimum number early in 
December and from that time had been anxious to take the 
field, but not until February 10, 1862, was the final order 
received to report to General Grant at Paducah, Ky. On 
board two steamboats, the Champion No. 3 and the Poland, 
the 56th left the Portsmouth wharf about the set of sun Wed- 
nesday, February 12. It was the last sight of home and the 
last good bye to friends and relatives for nearly one-half the 
900 men composing the command. The trip down the Ohio 
was cold and disagreeable, and devoid of special mterest 
except that it was noted the boats were cheered, and flags, etc., 
waved from the north side of the river, but such demonstra- 
tions were very few from the Kentucky shore. Paducah 
was reached early February 15. Orders were here received 
to proceed at once up the Tennessee river and to join the 
forces under General Grant, then investing Fort Donelson. 
The Fort surrendered before the regiment was disembarked, 
but two of its officers who had been sent to report its arrival, 
and for its disposal, reached the assaulting column just as the 
white flag was displayed and they had the satisfaction of 
entering the fort with the first of its captors. The regiment 
was'soon after landed, and went into camp just under the 
walls of the main fort. Here, after several changes, the 56th, 
with the 20th, 76th, and 78th Ohio Regiments, was formed 
into a brigade under command of Colonel Whittelsy of the 20th 
O. V. I., and attached to the 3d Division under command of 
General Lew. Wallace. 

Near the middle of March the division was transferred 
to the Tennessee river, near Fort Henry. March 13 the 
regiment was moved to Paris Landing, a short distance above 
Fort Henry. Here, during the night, one of the pickets saw 
a "stump move" and fired his gun, and caused the regiment 
to turn out the first time at the beat of the long roll, in the 
mud and driving rain, for two hours before the cause of the 
alarm was ascertained — a very disagreeable experience. 

March 15 it embarked on the Iowa, and the next day joined 
the remainder of the division encamped at Crump's Landing. 
March 31 the brigade to which the 56th was attached was 



120 Ohio at Vicksburg 

moved out six miles to Adamsville. The enemy, in front of 
this advanced position, v^as constantly present in small squads, 
and General Wallace was led to expect an attack on this post. 
On the mornings of April 4 and 5 the brigade was aroused 
and held under arms from long before day until after sunrise. 
On the morning of the 6th the boom of cannon and the rattle 
of musketry at Pittsburg Landing indicated the point of rebel 
attack. The division under General Wallace was quickly 
under arms, the two outlying brigades ordered in, the stores 
with camp and garrison equipage gathered in at the landing, 
and the 56th and 68th Ohio, much to their annoyance and 
dissatisfaction, were detailed to guard these stores, while the 
rest of the division started to join General Grant's army. 
The two regiments remained on duty at Crump's Landing 
some ten days after the battle of Shiloh, in the meantime 
repulsing two or three outpost attacks made by the Rebel 
cavalry. On the 17th they rejoined the division with all the 
stores intact. A great deal of sickness occurred here; some 
60 of the men were sent to the general hospital at Paducah. 

In the Corinth campaign the 56th was with the extreme 
right and took part in most of the sharp skirmishing of that 
advance. After Corinth had been evacuated, the division was 
ordered to Memphis, over a hundred miles west. This 
march was a most trying one, the weather hot, the roads dusty, 
and water scarce. June 13 the command reached the suburb 
of Memphis and went into camp in the Fair ground. On 
June 25 the regiment was ordered out 30 miles on the Memphis 
and Charleston Railroad to build a bridge, which had been 
burned by the Rebel guerrillas. On the completion of the 
bridge. Colonel Kinney, with Company B for train guard, 
went back to Memphis for further orders. Returning the 
next day, the train was derailed by some of Forest's Cavalry, 
the cars were burned, and Colonel Kinney, with a part of 
Company B, captured. The colonel was shortly after released 
on parole. He did not succeed in effecting his exchange and 
return to the regiment until the next September. The bridge 
having been completed, the regiment marched back to Mem- 
phis. The train having been destroyed, teams from neighbor- 
ing plantations were impressed to carry equipage, stores and 
ammunition. The march back was a very hard and exhaust- 
ing one. The enemy constantly surrounded the regiment, 



56th Ohio Infantry 121 

just out of musket shot, but not finding a weak or unguarded 
spot, made no attack. A few days after this affair, the divi- 
sion was transferred to a new camp, on the high bluffs, just 
below^ the city, where a fort was commenced, aftervvards com- 
pleted and called Fort Pickering. July i the regiment was 
detached for special duty at General Grant's headquarters, 
located at the head of Beal Street. This was the most pleasant 
duty performed by the 56th during its whole experience. A 
delightful camp was located within a block of headquarters. 
No duty but drill, which was light, and one company each 
day at the headquarter building. The men w^ere put on their 
good behavior, they were neat and clean, and the command 
received several compliments from members of General Grant's 
staff for the appearance of the camp, the men and for their 
soldierly and orderly conduct. Late in July General Grant 
left for Corinth, and the 56th, with other troops, was sent to 
Helena, Ark., to join General Curtis, who had fought his way 
from the northwest corner of Arkansas to that point on the 
Mississippi. Landed at Helena July 24, the brigade under 
Colonel Charles R. Woods, of the 76th Ohio, went into camp 
on an old cotton field on the river bank, a mile below the town 
of Helena. This was an unfortunate camp, the water was 
bad, the sun hot and much sickness occurred. Over 50 men 
died of the various diseases here contracted. 

While at this post the regiment, sometimes as a whole, 
sometimes in detachments, took part in various expeditions 
by land and by water. On August 28 Lieutenant Colonel 
Raynor, with 200 men of the 56th, and a section of the ist Iowa 
Battery, on the steamers latan and White Cloud, convoyed by 
the gunboat Pittsburg, started down the Mississippi under orders 
"To obtain information and to annoy the enemy." The 
first n ght, near Carson's Landing, the boats were compelled 
to anchor. Here a negro swam out to the latan and reported 
"Solgers ober dar," and — quoting from Colonel Raynor's 
report in the Official Records "I ascertained from him that a 
force of the enemy numbering 200 to 300 were encamped 
about two miles back from the river. The next morning the 
gunboat shelled the shore. I landed 175 men and one piece 
of artillery and marched out nearly two miles to where the 
Rebels were encamped. They had discovered our fleet while 
on its way, and while at anchor, and believing (as was after- 



122 Ohio at Vicksburg 

ward ascertained) they were the object of our expedition, 
had removed their stores and equipage, but remained them- 
selves to fight, but upon our appearance and one volley they 
hurriedly left. Hats, sabers, pistols and saddlebags were 
dropped, some to hide the better in the thick brush left their 
horses, 9 of which we captured. If any were killed or wounded 
we were unable to find them in the thick brush and cane. We 
captured i prisoner, J. C. Underwood, Company H, 28th Mis- 
sissippi; 2 tents, 30 sabers, 10 shot guns, 3 Mississippi rifles, 
2 mules, 9 horses, and i cart load of meat — all of which have 
been turned over the proper officers. One soldier of the 
1st Missouri gave himself up as a deserter. About noon, all 
my command, without any loss, returned to the boats and we 
continued on down the river. I had been ordered to look 
for a battery at Montgomery's Point. Landed at this place 
and searched the neighborhood thoroughly and ascertained 
that a road had been cut through the woods to Scrub Grass 
Bend, but that the cannon (2 pieces) were yet at Prairie Land- 
ing on White river. Wherever I had any reason to expect 
the presence of the enemy, we landed and scoured the woods 
and neighborhood, but having no cavalry, we were much 
delayed and the guerrillas escaped — after Carson's we could 
not get nearer than a half mile of an enemy or see more than a 
cloud of dust. Reached Eunice Landing, Arkansas, Saturday 
noon, found here one of the largest and finest wharfboats on 
the Mississippi, which we took in tow and started on our return. 
At Eunice I arrested a Mr, Nelson, who, it was reported, had 
been using both influence and money in assisting the enemy, 
and had on more than one occasion mounted his horse and rode 
for days with guerrilla parties. We also brought away on 
the wharf boat the watchman, who refused to leave it. His 
name is John McDonald and he claims to be a British subject. 
We learned that Colonel Stark has a brigade, from Van Dorn's 
army, camped at Bolivar Lake. This force was represented 
to be as high as 3,000 and as low as 1,800 men with six pieces of 
artillery, and that he was daily expecting a thirty pounder gun. 
It was a part of this command we met at Carson's Landing. 
The wharfboat, very large and heavy, towed slowly, conse- 
quently the expedition returned only this morning, September 
3, being out six days. Our orders were to take four days' 
rations, consequently a part of the captured bacon was eaten." 



56th Ohio Infantry 123 

This fine wharfboat had an elegant cabin, fitted out 
equal to any first-class steamboat; staterooms completely 
furnished and a plentiful supply of table and kitchen ware. 
It was appropriated for headquarters, and used as such at 
Helena during the war. 

Soon after this. Colonel Kinney was exchanged and re- 
turned to the command of the regiment, but the most of the 
time until his resignation, April 2, 1863, he was in command 
of the brigade, he being now the ranking colonel. The camp 
of the regiment was moved from the mud flat on the river 
bank to the hillside in rear of the town, an agreeable change. 
The men built tliemselves comfortable cabins from the young 
poplar trees which were abundant and near by. An expedi- 
tion was undertaken, late in November, under General Wash- 
burne, to the interior of Mississippi. A large detail from the 
56th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Raynor, formed a part of it. 
The marching was over a low alluvial land in the beginning 
of winter, with much cold rain and some snow. It was ex- 
ceedingly disagreeable, and void of any essential good. Gen- 
eral Grant failed to reach Grenada and General Washburne 
returned to Helena. The only result, many sick and some 
deaths. About the middle of February, the Coldwater 
Pass expedition was undertaken. This was an effort to 
get gunboats and transports with troops into the Yazoo, and 
thence on to the high grounds above and around Vicksburg. 
At this time, the water in the Mississippi was very high, the 
levee was cut and a channel opened up to Moon Lake, thence 
through the Coldwater Pass into Coldwater river, which 
connected with the upper Yazoo. All these streams, when 
full, are deep, but the Pass is narrow, tortuous, and the 
banks covered with large trees with heavy branches reaching 
out over, and sometimes across the stream. These trees were 
cut down, often under water, and with much hard labor the 
Pass was opened. A large expeditionary force under command 
of General Ross, on small steamboats, and accompanied by 
several gunboats, now attempted to reach the Yazoo. The 
56th was detailed to keep the Pass open, to prevent the Rebel 
guerrillas ^rom felling large trees across the streams, and to 
furnish guards to the several dispatch and supply boats that 
were used by the army below. This duty was arduous and 
dangerous, and continued about six weeks, when the expedi- 
tion was abandoned and the army returned to Helena. 



124 Ohio at Vicksburg 

About the first of April the troops at Helena were re- 
organized, and the 56th became a part of the 2d Brigade, 
Colonel James R. Slack commanding, and of the 12th Divi- 
sion commanded by General Alvin P. Hovey, 13th Army 
Corps, General John A. McClernand. April 12 the division 
left Helena on boats for General Grant's army at Milliken's 
Bend, La. The stay at this point was short. The 13th 
Corps made its way through swamps, over bayous, on a few 
good roads, and many bad ones, and reached the Mississippi 
river at Perkin's plantation, several miles below Vicksburg. 
At this place several gunboats and a few steamboats that had 
run the Vicksburg batteries were assembled. Three divisions 
of the 13th Army Corps were crowded on the six transports with 
coal barges in tow and with the gunboat fleet, moved on down 
the river, the transports were stopped at Hard Times Landing, 
while the gunboats continued on down to the Rebel fortifica- 
tions at Grand Gulf, only a short distance below, and made 
an unsuccessful attempt to silence the enemy's heavy guns at 
that place. The fleet having failed in its attempt, the troops 
were disembarked and marched to De Shroon's, a short distance 
further down the river. During the night the gunboats and 
transports ran the Grand Gulf batteries. The next morning 
the 13th Corps was transported to and landed at Bruinsburg, 
on the Mississippi side, and a little below De Shroon's. In 
the evening the command started on the road for Port Gibson, 
12 miles inland. The march was kept up nearly the whole 
night. About daybreak the I2th Division was halted and 
the men commanded to prepare breakfast. Almost immediate- 
ly the boom of artillery from the hills ahead told that the 
advanced division had met the enemy. "Fall in" was the 
instant command, the 56th led the division to the sound of 
the firing; a staff officer directed the regiment to the support 
of Klaus' Indiana Battery, stationed on a ridge on the left 
side of the road leading to Port Gibson, and engaged with 
the enemy posted on the summit of another ridge with a deep 
valley filled with heavy underbrush between. The 56th took 
position in front of the battery and somewhat down in the 
valley. Not long until General Hovey came riding on to the 
field in the shelter of some trees on the right side of the road 
and almost opposite the right of the 56th. He called over 
to know "what regiment is that" and then for the command- 



56th Ohio Infantry 125 

Ing officer to come over to him. Colonel Raynor climbed the 
fence, crossed the road and received from the general an order 
to support a charge about to be made by the 34th Indiana, 
Colonel Cameron, on the Rebel battery and forces in front. 
When the Indiana Regiment moved into the ravine in their 
front, the 56th followed, the two regiments being separated 
only by the width of the narrow road. The 34th being on the 
lower side, had a deeper and wider ravine to cross, so the 56th 
reached the open first. The fighting here was close and 
furious, and as soon as the Indiana regiment got through the 
brush, both regiments rushed forward together. The enemy 
fled. The 34th stopped at the battery, but the 56th kept on 
after the enemy, and captured 210 enlisted men and 12 com- 
missioned officers, mostly of the 23d Alabama Infantry and 
Johnston's Virginia Battery, together with the battery flag. 
During the afternoon, the 56th took part with the 47th Indiana 
in another engagement. During this battle, the 56th lost 
6 killed, 24 wounded and 7 missing, total 36. 

The regiment followed the fortunes of the division during 
the remainder ot the campaign and siege. Major Varner 
became alarmingly ill and was sent back to Grand Gulf from 
Willow Springs on the 5th. On May 12, at Fourteen Mile 
Creek, the 56th accepted an order declined by another regi- 
ment, crossed the creek, deployed as skirmishers, and with 
the 24th Indiana drove back the enemy's picket and skirmish 
lines to within a short distance of Edward's Depot, where 
General Pemberton held the Confederate army, expecting to 
be there attacked. The two regiments held their position 
during the night. The next morning Hovey's Division and 
possibly a few other troops crossed the creek and by threaten- 
ing maneuvering, held the Confederates all day in line, ex- 
pecting battle. In the meantime the 15th and 17th Corps 
passed on, and after sharp engagements captured Raymond 
on the I2th, and Jackson on the 14th. On May 16, the 56th 
performed its part with the division at Champion Hill, where 
its loss as officially reported was 24 killed, 89 wounded, and 
28 missing; total 138. The regiment entered this fight with 
364 men. Captain John Cook, Company K, Lieutenant 
George Manring, Company A, and Lieutenant Augustus 
Chute, were killed. Some of the slightly hurt were not re- 
ported. Hovey's Division withstood the greater part of Pem- 



126 . Ohio at Vicksburg 

berton's army for over three hours, when, with Logan's Divi- 
sion and a brigade from Quimby's Division, the Rebels were 
forced from the field. The 2d Brigade of Hovey's Division 
was not brought on the investment line at Vicksburg until 
May 24, but from that it did its share in the digging, picketing, 
fighting, etc., until the surrender July 4. On June 4, the 
positions of the regiments in line and in camp were changed. 
The 56th was moved about one mile north and became the 
extreme right of the 12th Division. About this time com- 
missions arrived from the Governor of Ohio, promoting 
Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Raynor to colonel; Major S. E. 
Varner to lieutenant-colonel, and Captain C. F. Reniger to 
major. On June 20 the regiment received two wagon loads 
of assorted supplies from the good people at home. The 
goods came under escort of John L. Ward and Daniel Mc- 
intyre, two of Portsmouth's most respected citizens. After 
the surgeons had selected all that could be used at the hospital, 
the remainder was divided equally among the companies. 
When these gentlemen returned home, by resolution of the 
officers, the flag captured at Port Gibson was sent with them 
to Portsmouth. It was hung upon the walls of the Council 
Chamber in that city and remained several years when it 
was burned in a fire which destroyed the City Hall. About 
the last of June, with the rest of Slack's Brigade, the 56th 
engaged in making a new approach on the extreme right of 
Hovey's line. This was aimed to strike a comparatively 
weak spot in the enemy's defensive works, and it was pushed 
forward rapidly. It was designed and superintended by 
Colonel Raynor of the 56th, and after a few night's work, 
was almost as near the Confederate lines as some of the other 
approaches after weeks of labor. 

The news of surrender on July 4 was immediately fol- 
lowed by marching orders and the next morning the division 
took up its march for Jackson, Miss., which city was reached 
on the nth, and captured on the 17th. On the 21st, returned 
to Vicksburg, a hot and fatiguing march. When near Black 
river bridge, a severe thunder storm came up. A large tree 
beside the road was struck by lightning as the regiment was 
passing. Two were killed, and seven badly injured. The 
color Sergeant, William Roberts, was prostrated and so severely 
shocked that he never fully recovered. August 2 the divi- 



56th Ohio Infantry 127 

sion was transported to Natchez on the large boats of the 
marine brigade. At Natchez the troops were encamped in 
an excellent location, and here they enjoyed a month's well- 
earned rest. The last of August the entire 13th Army Corps 
was transferred to the Department of the Gulf, and went into 
camp at Carrollton, a short distance above the city of New 
Orleans. September 13 the Army of the Gulf entered upon 
the Teche campaign, which ended at Opelousas after a 
rather easy and pleasant march. The enemy declined battle, 
and being mounted, easily kept out of the way, but hovered 
around, picking up stragglers. From Opelousas, the army 
slowly returned to New Orleans, leaving small detachments 
at various points. At Carion Crow Bayou was encamped 
one brigade of the 13th Army Corps, under General Burbridge. 
While this brigade was being paid off, it was surprised by the 
enemy, quite a number killed and several captured. The 
divi«;ion now commanded by General G. F. McGinnis, to 
which the 56th belonged, double-qu'cked three miles and 
saved the remainder of Burbrldge's command. The Union 
forces gradually fell back, making short stops at Vermillion- 
ville, New Iberia, Franklin, etc., every few days having some 
sharp skirmishing with the annoying enemy While at New 
Iberia, Colonel James R. Slack, who had been for several 
months in command of the brigade, left for home, and Colonel 
Raynor of the 56th was given command of the brigade, although 
he was not the ranking colonel. Remained in a nice and 
comfortable camp at New Iberia until December 19, when the 
march was taken up for Berwick Bay. From this point the 
56th was detailed as wagon guard with the train of the 13th 
Army Corps, around by road to New Orleans. This they 
did, covering the distance, 175 miles, in six days. Camp 
was established at Algiers, opposite the city of New Orleans. 
The last of January, the division was moved to the east side 
of Lake Pontchantrain, and encamped in the pine forest near 
Madisonville. While here, about three-fourths of the regi- 
ment reenlisted as veterans. On March i the division re- 
turned to New Orleans and preparations for the Red river 
campaign was made. The nonveterans of the division — • 
about 600, under Lieutenant-Colonel Varner of the 56th — • 
were given command of the Post of Algiers. Major Reniger 
was also detached and placed in command of a camp of paroled 



128 Ohio at Vicksburg 

prisoners. Colonel Raynor being in command of the brigade, 
the 56th was without a field officer, and was commanded by 
Captain Manring, of Company A. 

The expedition marched up the Teche, over the same 
route that had been followed the fall before. Opelousas w^as 
passed, at Alexandria a slight stop, then to Nachitoches, 
where the army remained until April 6, when a new advance 
was made. The cavalry in front was followed by a long wagon 
train, then some five miles apart came two small divisions of 
the 13th Corps. These divisions had been much depleted by 
the absence of two regiments from each, on veteran furlough, 
and still further by leaving at New Orleans all the nonveterans. 
Skirmishing with the enemy began at the first advance, and 
continued until at a point near Mansfield, La., and known as 
Sabine Cross Roads, the Confederate army under General 
Dick Taylor was encountered. General A. L. Lee, command- 
ing the Union Cavalry, here sent back for help. The 4th 
Division, 13 Corps, under Colonel Landrum, and with General 
Ransom commanding the Corps, first went forward, and then 
when the division had developed the strength of the enemy, 
and lost nearly half its number, the 3d Division was sent for. 
This division, under General Cameron, had just gone into 
camp, in an opening in the forest. The command hurried 
forward on a narrow road hemmed in by a dense southern 
forest, and obstructed by a long train of two hundred wagons. 
General Cameron formed his division on the flank of what 
was left of Landrum's command, and for nearly two hours 
held the Confederates at bay. The enemy numbering five 
or six times these little divisions after a time enveloped both 
flanks and began firing from the rear. Not until then did the 
survivors give way and a retreat was ordered and continued 
until the 19th Corps was reached, about sunset. Here the 
Rebels were checked. The 56th entered the engagement 
with 224 men, loss officially reported 35. 

During the night. General Banks fell back to Pleasant 
Hill where a strong division of the i6th Corps under General 
A. J. Smith had arrived. On the afternoon of the 9th, the 
Confederates made a determined attack on this position, but 
they were repulsed after three or four hours of heavy fighting. 

After a stop of a few days at Grand Ecore on Red river. 
General Banks resumed his march to Alexandria. The enemy 



56th Ohio Infantry 129 

pursuing and almost constantly fighting with the rear guard. 
At Cane river crossing, a large body of the enemy appeared 
and opposed the crossing. About four miles above the dis- 
puted point a ford v^as found and a division of the 19th Corps, 
v^ith that to which the 56th belonged, waded Cane river, 
with the water almost up to the necks of some of the men, 
came in upon the Confederate flank and after a sharp little 
engagement, drove them away. The army then crossed and 
marched to Alexandria, without much further serious opposi- 
tion. April 27 the regiment received its veteran furlough 
and on the 28th went on board a steamer, but at i p. m., before 
the boat was ready to leave, the Rebels made a heavy attack 
and it looked that a general engagement was imminent. The 
regiment returned, rejoined the division, and remained in 
line all night. The next day was spent on a reconnoissance, 
and in consequence the regiment did not get away from Alex- 
andria until May 4, on the steamboat John Warner, con- 
\oyed by two "tin clads" from the gunboat fleet. The regi- 
ment, about 200 muskets and about 25 field stafi^ and line 
officers, started for New Orleans and home. 

Soon after passing the last picket post below Alexandria, 
boats were fired upon by the enemy concealed behind, and 
protected by the high levee which lined the west bank ot the 
river. This firing was continued until dark. The water 
being low, and the channel narrow and tortuous and worse 
than all, unknown to the pilots, the progress of the boats was 
exceedingly slow. The steamboat had been especially pre- 
pared with cotton bales, which with reasonable care, protected 
the men from rifle balls. A young drummer. Tommy Morris, 
in daring recklessness, stood up to fire at the enemy, and 
received a shot through the head, killing him instantly. Tom- 
my had endeared himself to the men, and his death was much 
lamented. He had, unaided, captured a Rebel major at 
Champion Hill. 

At dark, it became necessary to anchor. A place opposite 
a swamp covered with a thick growth of trees and under- 
brush was found, and here the boats laid by for the night. 
During the night a few Rebels worked their way through this 
swamp and fired a volley into the boats, but without serious 
damage. The gunboats kept up a fire from their heavy guns 
at short intervals until daylight. While here, some members 



130 Ohio at Vicksburg 

of the I20th O. V. I. reached the shore on the east side and 
were brought on board. They reported that their regiment 
had been on the steamboat City Belle, on its way up Red river 
to join General Banks' army at Alexandria. That at a point 
only a few miles below, they had been attacked by the enemy 
posted on the west bank of the river; that Colonel Spiegel, 
their commander, and a number of men, had been killed, 
some wounded, and several captured, but that quite a number 
had escaped to the eastern shore and were making their way 
to Alexandria, among them this party who had with them a 
wounded Lieutenant, John Baer. They further stated that 
the City Belle had been set on fire and burned to the water's 
edge. 

During the night a consultation was held, and the ques- 
tion of returning to Alexandria was decided. Colonel Ray- 
nor stated that it was known at headquarters that the enemy 
were below; that the Warner had been specially prepared, 
and his orders were to get to New Orleans with dispatches 
which were in care of an officer on board, and that he intended 
to proceed at daylight. This was done, the steamboat in the 
lead, the gunboats Signal and Covington following. As soon 
as the swamp was cleared and the high banks reached, the 
enemy opened a rapid fire both with artillery and musketry. 
The first battery was passed without material damage, the 
last shot fired from the Rebel cannon struck the Warner in 
the after part, passed through every stateroom on the right 
side and entered the desk in the clerk's office. Fortunately, 
this shell did not explode or injure anyone. The men began 
to congratulate themselves on having so easily passed the 
battery, but soon after rounding a salient point, another and 
much heavier battery opened fire, several fieldpieces and two 
thirty-pound Parrott guns. The levee only two to three hun- 
dred feet distant was lined by thousands of Rebel riflemen. 
The low water in the river brought the upper deck of the boat 
about on a line with the levee. The cotton barricade proved 
a secure protection from rifle balls and from the six and twelve- 
pound field artillery, but the long pointed projectiles from 
the heavy Parrotts pierced the cotton bales, and soon destroyed 
the pilot house. Arrangements had been made to provide 
for such a disaster. The boat was unmanageable but a few 
minutes, when she was gotten under control by steering from 



56th Ohio Infantry 131 

the lower deck. A greater disaster immediately befell; a 
Parrott shell exploded in the engine room, cut the steam pipe, 
scalded the engineer and the boat was wholly unmanageable, 
She had been headed for the east shore and three of the 56th 
boys. Sergeant Nick Main, J. P. Harper and Sam Nickels, 
took a line, swam ashore, made the boat fast, and escaped up 
the bank under a shower of bullets. Colonel Raynor now 
ordered the regiment ashore, as to remain on the boat would 
ensure the death or capture of every man. The cotton was 
already on fire in three or four places from the exploding shells. 
A simultaneous rush by nearly all the men resulted in their 
reaching the woods with but few casualties. Forming the 
regiment in line it was found that Company D was not present. 
Captain Jones had not heard the command and had remained 
on the outer guard where he was posted. Colonel Raynor 
started to return to the boat for Company D, but as soon as 
he left the shelter of the woods he was assailed by a shower of 
bullets, one of which entered the left leg below the knee, shat- 
tering the small bone. He, however, kept on down the bank, 
ordered Company D ashore and arranged with Captain 
Dean, commanding the steamboat, for its surrender as soon as 
all that were able had left the boat. Several badly wounded 
were necessarily left. The colonel then found Surgeon Wil- 
liams, who was attending the wounded. The doctor com- 
menced to bind up the colonel's leg, while so engaged a shell 
exploded in the deckroom, wounding Doctor Williams 
slightly, the hospital steward, John McGrew, severely, and 
inflicting two more painful wounds upon the colonel himself. 
As soon as the surgeon was through the colonel was helped 
ashore, up the bank to the regiment in the woods. Instruct- 
ing Captain Manring to take the regiment through the woods 
to a point on the bank directly opposite the battery of heavy 
guns, and to try to keep this battery silent by the rifles of the 
regiment, while the gunboats ran by, and when the boats wxre 
below the battery, they would wait and take the regiment on 
board. Colonel Raynor was then helped through the woods 
to where the gunboats lay under shelter of the point. The 
regiment started down to sharpshoot the battery, but coming 
to a deep bayou and a swamp, they were forced to make a 
long detour and could not reach the river again until several 
miles below, near Fort DeRussy, w^here they found a boat. 



132 Ohio at Vicksburg 

and were taken on board and to New Orleans. After Colonel 
Raynor reached the gunboats he was taken on board and 
they both attempted to run the batteries, each in turn was 
knocked to pieces, several men killed, and wounded, and all 
not able to swim ashore were captured. Both these boats, as 
well as the Warner, were soon totally burned. Two of the 
captured officers of the 56th succeeded in effecting escapes, 
and after many thrilling adventures, reached the Union lines; 
Captain Stimmel at the mouth of Red river. Lieutenant Roberts 
at Little Rock, Ark. The colonel, with other wounded, 
was taken to Cheney ville, where Surgeon Williams became a 
voluntary prisoner to care for the wounded. These wounded 
men were paroled late in June, and were sent north. The 
colonel's wounds unfitted him for further service, and he 
never returned to the regiment. 

At New Orleans the regiment was newly fitted out, and 
those who had veteranized received a part of their bounty and 
were sent home, via sea to New York, thence to Ohio, on 30 
days' furlough. At the end of this furlough, these men re- 
turned to New Orleans, and rejoined the nonveterans under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Varner. The command formed part of 
the forces guarding New Orleans. In November, 1864, those 
who had not reenlisted were discharged and sent home. 
The remainder were consolidated into three companies. Later 
in the season, a full company of one year's recruits, under 
Captain Willets, was attached. This entitled the command 
to a field officer, and Captain Henry E. Jones was appointed 
Heutenant-colonel. The term of the 56th was filled in per- 
forming guard duty in the city of New Orleans, a service full of 
responsibility and hard work. It was kept on duty there until 
the -spring of 1866, when it was ordered to Columbus, Ohio, 
where, on May 5, 1866, the men of the 56th O. V. V. I. received 
their last pay and final discharge. 145 enlisted men in all. 

CASUALTIES. 

Killed and mortally wounded, 63; wounded, 201; missing, 
41; died of disease, 140; total 445. 

Captain George Wilhelm, Company F, was placed on the 
Roll of Honor for "gallant conduct at Champion's Hill, May 
16, 1863." 



56th Ohio Infantry 133 

George W. Lodge, private, Company A, was placed on the 
Roll of Honor "for meritorious conduct at Jackson, Miss., 
July 16, 1863." 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 7, 1862 

Corinth, Miss October 3, 4, 1862 

Port Gibson, Miss May i, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Big Sand Run, Miss May 18, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Carrion Crow Bayou, La November 3, 1863 

New Iberia, La November 18, 1863 

Sabine Cross Roads, La April 8, 1864 

Monettis Ferry, La April 23, 1864 

Snaggy Point, La May 3, 1864 

Dunn's Bayou, La May 5, 1864 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 56th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Vicksburg National Mili- 
tary Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, 1863, killed 6, 
wounded 23, missing 7, total 36. Fourteen Mile Creek, 
May 10, no reported casualties. In the battle of Cham- 
pion's Hill, May 16, killed 20, wounded 90, missing 28, total 
138; Lieutenants Augustus S. Chute and George W. Manring 
killed. Captain John Cook mortally wounded. And during 
the siege, not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege: killed 26, wounded, 11^, missing 35, 
total 174." 



134 Ohio at Vicksburg 



57th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

ON the 14th day of September, 1861, Governor Dennison 
gave authority to recruit a regiment of infantry to be 
designated the 57th Regiment, and to rendezvous at Camp 
Vance, Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio. Recruiting com- 
menced on the 1 6th day of September, and was pushed forward 
rapidly. The regiment was partially organized at Camp 
Vance, from where it moved on the 22d of January, 1862, to 
Camp Chase, where it was completed on the loth of February, 
numbering 956 men and 38 commissioned officers. The 
localities in which the different companies were recruited are 
as follows: Company A, in Putnam County; B, in Hancock, 
Seneca and Wood; C, in Auglaize, Mercer and Sandusky; 
D, in Hamilton; E, in Hamilton, Allen and Van Wert; F and 
G, in Hancock; H, in Hancock and Seneca; I, in Crawford, 
Shelby, and Sandusky; K, in Logan and Sandusky. 

The regiment left Camp Chase on the i8th of February, 
1862, under orders to report at Fort Donelson. When it 
arrived at" Smithland, Kentucky, the order was changed, and 
it reported at Paducah, Kentucky. Here the regiment was 
assigned to the 3d Brigade, 5th Division of the Army of the 
Tennessee. On the 8th of March, 1862, the regiment left 
Paducah, on the steamer Continental, and arrived at Fort 
Henry, on the Tennessee river, on the 9th. From here it 
proceeded to Savannah, Tennessee, where it arrived on the 
nth. On the 14th 6 gunboats and 65 transports went up 
the river to the mouth of Yellow Creek, where the troops dis- 
embarked, and attempted to strike the Memphis and Charles- 
ton Railroad, at luka, Mississippi, nine miles distant, but 
failed in consequence of exceedingly high water. They 
returned to the transports, embarked, and went to Pittsburg 
Landing, where they arrived on the i6th. On the following 
day the 5th Division made a reconnoissance to Pea Ridge 
toward Corinth, about nine miles from the Landing. On the 
19th it went into camp at Shiloh Chapel, three miles south- 
west of the Landing. The 22d and 24th of March were spent 
in making reconnoissances in the direction of Corinth. On 



57TH Ohio Infantry 135 

the 1st of April the regiment, in company with other troops and 
2 gunboats, went to Eastport, Mississippi, about thirty 
miles distant. The 57th was on the foremost transport. 
The gunboats threw a number of shells into the town of East- 
port, but elicited no reply. The boats moved up the river 
to Chickasaw, Alabama, and shelled both the Rebel works 
and the town. The Rebels having left, the 57th was ordered 
ashore to scout the hills surrounding the village. It captured 
a few prisoners, men and boys, and then returned to camp. 

The regiment suffered much from sickness, and on the 
morning of the 6th of April there were but 450 men for duty. 
The regiment was posted with its right resting on the Corinth 
Road, immediately south of the Shiloh Church. About 
6 o'clock on the morning of the 6th the 57th formed and 
advanced until it reached the little eminence upon which the 
Shiloh Church stood. The regiment held this position until 
10 o'clock, and successfully withstood three Rebel regiments — 
the Mississippi Rifles, the Crescent Guards from New Orleans, 
and the 14th Tennessee from Memphis. These regiments 
left 78 dead in front of the 57th. The regiment was ordered 
to fall back upon the Hamburg and Purdy Road, and it exe- 
cuted the movement in good order. The battle continued 
with great fury, and the line was pressed back three-quarters 
of a mile further. Here the fighting was terrific, but the 
enemy was forced to give way a little, and by five o'clock in 
the afternoon the firing had almost ceased in front of the 57th. 
The regiment lay on its arms in a drenching rain all night, 
and at daybreak again went into action. The enemy was 
driven back, and by four o'clock in the afternoon the regiment 
occupied its old position. Everything was destroyed except 
the sutler's tent, which General Beauregard had used as his 
headquarters, and in which he had written his dispatches 
to the Rebel Secretary of War. The regiment lay on its arms 
another night in the rain and mud, and on the morning of the 
8th moved about seven miles toward Corinth, and near to 
Pea Ridge, where it encountered Forrest's cavalry and about 
1,500 Rebel infantry. Two companies of the 57th and 77th 
Ohio were thrown out as skirmishers. Forrest's cavalry 
charged, the National cavalry gave way, and the four com- 
panies of skirmishers were captured. The 57th did not dare 
to fire into the Rebels lest it should kill its own men. It fixed 



136 Ohio at Vicksburg 

bayonets and charged on the double-quick against the cavalry. 
As it advanced it received a volley, but at the command, 
"Guide center — steady, boys!" it closed up and pressed for- 
vs^ard. The cavalry gave way. The captured companies 
rushed to their comrades or laid down, and the regiment 
halted and poured a volley into the retreating Rebels. The 
enemy's stores were burned, and then the troops returned to 
camp, arriving about ten o'clock p. m. The men in the 57th 
had eaten scarcely anything since the evening of the 5th, but 
that night there was some nmle steak broiled on the coals, and 
it was pronounced "tolerably good." In these three days the 
regiment lost 27 killed, 150 wounded (16 mortally), and 10 
captured. 

From this time until the 29th of April, the regiment 
remained in camp near Shiloh Church, engaged in drilling 
and preparing for the coming campaign. On the 29th it 
began the advance to Corinth, and until the evacuation of that 
place the regiment, day and night, was marching, picketing, 
skirmishing, or building breastworks. At Camps Six and 
Seven and at the Russell House it was warmly engaged. Dur- 
ing the advance the regiment was assigned to the First Brigade 
of the 5th Division. After the evacuation the regiment was 
engaged in repairing the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, 
and in making reconnoissances. On one of these, from La 
Grange to Holly Springs, the men suffered intensely for water. 
While the regiment lay at Moscow, near the Mississippi line, 
a detachment of 220 men were ordered to accompany a train 
to Memphis for supplies. The detachment marched through 
Macon, and struck the Memphis and Nashville Road near 
Morning Sun. Here the train was attacked by about 600 
Rebel cavalry. They charged the train three times, but were 
repulsed each time, and at last were driven off, with a loss of 
II killed, 26 wounded and some prisoners, horses and arms 
captured. The detachment lost four men wounded. The 
trip was completed successfully. The regiment moved to 
Memphis on the i8th of July, and on the 29th of August it 
was ordered to Raleigh to look after Burrow's Rebel cavalry. 
The cavalry fled after exchanging a few shots, but the regiment 
captured a number of horses. Again, on the 8th of September, 
the regiment was ordered on a scout into Mississippi. It was 
absent four days, was engaged with the enemv six different times, 



57TH Ohio Infantry 137 

and marched no miles. The regiment was ordered into camp 
on the Randolph Road, north of Memphis, and was placed in 
charge of the road, and especially of the bridge over Wolf 
Creek. On the 23d of September a detachment of Burrow's 
cavalry attacked the post, with the view of burning it. The 
Rebels were repulsed with a loss of one killed and 6 wounded; 
two horses were captured. The regiment sustained no loss. 
On the I2th of November it was assigned to the First Brigade, 
1st Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. During the stay at 
Memphis the regiment was drilled very thoroughly in the skir- 
mish-drill and the bayonet exercise. 

On the 26th of November the regiment, with quite a 
large force, moved against General Price, on the Tallahatchie 
river, near Wyatt, Mississippi. The Rebels delayed the 
march by obstructing the roads, and Wyatt was not reached 
until the 2d of December. The Rebels evacuated and the 
march was continued toward Grenada. The regiment camped 
near Bowl's Mills, Little Hurricane Creek, in Lafayette 
County, until the 9th of December, when the 15th Corps 
returned to Memphis, arriving on the 13th. Here the regiment 
received 118 volunteers and 205 drafted men, which made 
the aggregate force of the regiment 650 men. Soon after 
this the regiment embarked on the Omaha, and, with the 
15th Corps, moved down the Mississippi. Young's Point 
was reached on the 26th of December. From here the troops 
moved up the Yazoo, and disembarked on Sidney Johnston's 
plantation. The next day they marched to Chickasaw Bayou, 
where, for five days, the 15th Corps, in trying to effect a crossing 
was engaged with the enemy. The 57th was engaged all the 
time, and brought up the rear when the troops returned to 
the transports. In this action the regiment lost 37 killed and 
wounded. On the 2d of January, 1863, the corps moved down 
the Yazoo to the Mississippi, up the Mississippi to White 
river, up White river to the **cut-ofF," through the "cut -off" 
into the Arkansas to within two miles of Arkansas Post, disem- 
barking on the loth. The ist Brigade was ordered to attack 
the Rebel pickets, which it did, and drove them within 600 
yards of Fort Hindman. The 57th Ohio and 6th Missouri 
were ordered to divide the Rebels from their barracks, in front 
of their lines, and about half a mile further to the west. This 
also was done, and by twelve o'clock m. on the next day prep- 



138 Ohio at Vicksburg 

arations were completed for the assault. The 57th led the 
brigade in the charge on the works, and after a desperate 
battle of three hours, during two hours of which time the 
regiment was within 90 yards of the Rebel parapet, the enemy- 
surrendered. It lost in this action 37 killed and wounded. 

On the 13th the regiment was ordered on an expedition 
to the Clay plantation. Here it engaged and defeated some 
Rebel cavalry, burned 40,000 bushels of corn, a large amount 
of fodder, a splendid residence and all its furniture, and then 
returned to the fleet and moved for Vicksburg. It disembarked 
at Young's Point on the 2 1st of January, and went to work in 
the canal. It continued digging for about two weeks, exposed 
to the shot and shell from a Rebel gun known as Whistling 
Dick. On the 12th of February it moved up the river on the 
Chancellor on a foraging expedition. It returned on the 15th 
with 175 head of cattle, 12,000 bushels of corn, and numerous 
chickens. The latter were not turned over to the Govern- 
ment, but were appropriated to private use. On the 17th of 
March the regiment started on the expedition to Haines' 
BlufF. The march was very laborious, and navigating, swim- 
ming and wading, the brigade came up with two of the gun- 
boats, in a bayou near the Sunflower, completely hemmed in 
by fallen trees, and exposed to the fire of the Rebel sharp- 
shooters. The 57th being in the advance, became engaged in 
a severe fight, in which the Rebels were driven ofi^. The 
gunboats were unable to advance, and so the expedition 
returned to Young's Point. 

On the 29th of April the regiment, with a large body of 
troops, moved upon Snyder's BlufF, to engage the attention of 
the Rebels, while General Grant attacked Grand Gulf. On 
the 30th the regiment participated in a severe battle, which 
lasted until noon the next day, when the troops retired and 
moved down the Mississippi to Grand Gulf, which had been 
captured by General Grant. The regiment advanced upon 
Vicksburg, participating in the battles of Raymond, Champion 
Hills, and Black river. At Champion Hills it suffered severely. 
The regiment reached the works around Vicksburg on the 
1 8th of May. It participated in a general assault on the 19th, 
and advanced, under a terrific fire, to within 70 yards of the 
Rebel line. It held this position until 2 o'clock of the morning 
of the 20th, when the entire brigade was withdrawn to a position 



57TH Ohio Infantry 139 

300 va^ds in rear of the line of fortifications. At nine o'clock 
on the 22d the bugle again sounded the advance, and the 57th 
moved forward in the front line. The attempt was more 
stubborn, the fighting more desperate, and the casualties 
greater than on the 19th; but the assault was no more success- 
ful. The regiment advanced to within sixty yards of the 
enemy's works; but on the evening of the 23d it fell back to 
its old position and commenced fortifying. On the 26th of 
May it accompanied the division on a reconnoissance between 
the Big Black and Yazoo rivers. It had an engagement with 
the enemy at Mechanicsburg and routed him. The expedi- 
tion returned to Vicksburg, by way of Haines' BlufF, on the 
3d of June, having marched 78 miles. From this time until 
the surrender it was continually engaged, either on the picket 
line or in the trenches. 

On the 5th of July the regiment marched upon Jackson, 
which was then held by the Rebels under Johnston. The 
troops reached Jackson on the 8th, and drove the Rebels into 
their works. The National forces intrenched, and skirmish- 
ing continued until the 17th, when the Rebels evacuated. 
The Rebels were pursued to Pearl river. Here the 57th had 
one man killed and several severely wounded by torpedoes. 
After this the regiment moved toward Vicksburg, and on the 
25th it pitched its tents four miles west of Big Black river, at 
Camp Sherman. Here it remained until the 27th of Septem- 
ber, when it moved to Vicksburg, embarked on the steamer 
Commercial, and proceeded up the Mississippi to Memphis, 
where it arrived on the 4th of October. On the 8th it marched 
for Chattanooga, and on the 22d of November it arrived at 
the mouth of North Chickamauga Creek, ten miles northeast 
of Chattanooga. The march was long and fatiguing, and 
skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry was frequent. The 
regiment now formed a part of the 1st Brigade, 2d Division, 
15th Corps. On the night of the 23d of November the brigade 
embarked in boats on the North Chickamauga Creek, floated 
down the creek into the Tennessee, crossed the river with 
muffled oars, landed, captured the Rebel pickets, secured 
their countersign, and with it relieved the whole line. By 
daylight a line of rifle-pits was thrown up, and the position 
was secured. On the 24th a pontoon was laid, and Sherman's 
army crossed the Tennessee, and drove the Rebels two miles. 



140 Ohio at Vicksburg 

On the 25th the regiment participated in the battle of Mission 
Ridge, with heavy loss. It pursued the Rebels to within two 
miles of Ringgold, and rested there one day, and on the 29th 
it started with the corps to the relief of Burnside, at Knox- 
ville. The corps marched 104 miles in four days, over bad 
roads, and arrived within striking distance, when Longstreet 
raised the siege and retired with his forces into Virginia. On 
the 7th of December the corps returned to Chattanooga, 
where it arrived on the i8th, and drew *'hard tack" for the 
first time in 15 days. On the 19th it was again on the march, 
and on the 29th of December it arrived at Bellefonte, Alabama. 
By this time the regiment was almost exhausted by fatigue, 
privation, hunger and exposure. The men were hatless, 
shoeless, and half naked; yet, notwithstanding all this, the 
regiment reenlisted on the ist of January, 1864, being the 
first regiment to reenlist as veterans in the 15th Army Corps. 

The regiment started for Cincinnati on the 4th of Feb- 
ruary, and on arriving received a furlough for thirty days. 
On the 1 6th of March, the regiment, with 207 recruits, rendez- 
voused at Camp Chase. It arrived at Nashville on the 29th 
of March, and was detained there until the 4th of April, when 
it marched through to Larkinsville, Alabama, and at that point 
rejoined its brigade on the 17th. On the 1st of May it moved 
on the Atlantic campaign. It arrived in the vicinity of Chat- 
tanooga on the 6th, and advanced through Snake Creek Gap 
to Resaca. The 57th participated in the battle of this place 
May 13 and 14. On the 14th it was posted in an important 
position, and received three successive charges from an over- 
whelming force of the enemy, but it held its ground firmly. 
This was one of the most severe contests in which the regiment 
ever engaged, and its loss was 57 killed and wounded. The 
regiment pursued the retreating foe, crossed the Oostenaula, 
and advanced through Kingston to Dallas. Here the enemy 
made a stand, and fighting continued for three days. The 
regiment lost 15 men. 

On the 1st of June the regiment moved to New Hope 
Church, where it engaged the enemy with a loss of four m.en. 
The Rebels were driven back on Kenesaw Mountain, and the 
regiment followed through Acworth and Big Shanty, skir- 
mishing and fighting almost every day. On the 27th it partic- 
ipated in an assault on the enemy's lines at Kenesaw. The 



57TH Ohio Infantry 141 

regiment gained a position very near the Rebel works, but was 
compelled to abandon it. In this engagement it lost 57 killed 
and wounded. On the 5th of July it reached the Chatta- 
hoochie, and skirmishing continued almost incessantly until 
the 9th, when the enemy crossed the river. The regiment 
moved on through Marietta, Rosswell, and Decatur to Atlanta, 
where it arrived on the 20th, and drove the Rebels inside their 
fortifications. 

On the 22d the Rebels attacked the line furiously. The 
fighting was desperate, and the works in the immediate front 
of the 57th were captured by the enemy and recaptured by 
the regiment three times. The Rebels were forced back at 
last, and the regiment held its position. The 57th was in the 
heat of the engagement, and lost ninety-two men. On the 
24th the regiment moved to the extreme right of the army, 
and on the morning of the 28th again met the enemy. The 
engagement lasted seven hours, and the Rebels were repulsed. 
At this time the 57th belonged to the ist Brigade, 2d Division, 
15th Army Corps; and in this battle the enemy left on the 
field, in front of the brigade, 458 of their number dead. The 
regiment lost 12 men killed and 55 wounded. The regiment 
continued to press the enemy until the 26th, when it again 
moved to the right, and struck the Augusta and Atlanta Rail- 
road ten miles from East Point. A portion of the road was 
destroyed, and on the 30th the regiment moved for the Macon 
Road, and, after marching all day, reached it at eight o'clock 
p. m. The battle of Jonesboro' was fought on the 31st. The 
Rebels massed and advanced in four lines of battle upon the 
2d Division. They were protected by the ground until within 
sixty or seventy yards of the division, and they advanced 
steadily and well closed up; but when the division opened fire 
their line was shattered. They advanced three times, but to 
no purpose. They were driven back with fearful slaughter. 
The number of killed and wounded in front of the 57th nearly 
equaled the number of men in the regiment. On the 2d of 
September the Rebels evacuated Jonesboro'. It was occupied 
by the National troops, and the regiment advanced about 
eight miles and found the enemy in position. The division 
was ordered to destroy the railroad, and the regiment assisted 
the work all night and until 10 o'clock of the next day. 



142 Ohio at Vicksburg 

On the 6th the 57th was ordered to Jonesboro', and on the 7th 
it marched toward Eastport, where it arrived and went into 
camp on the 8th. 

Here it was engaged in drilHng most of the time until 
the 4th of October, when it started after Hood. It moved 
by way of Kenesaw, Marietta, Kingston, Centerville, and 
Resaca, and on the 15th attacked the Rebels at Snake Creek 
Gap. The Rebels were repulsed, and the regiment followed 
to Taylor's Ridge, where another fight occurred, and the 
Rebels were defeated. The regiment moved on through 
Lafayette, Somersville, Gaylesville, Little River, Cedar Bluff, 
Cave Spring and Cedartown, skirmishing and fighting, march- 
ing and countermarching, and tearing up railroad track, 
until the 13th of November, when it arrived at Atlanta. 

The regiment left Atlanta with Sherman's army on the 
15th of November on the march to the sea. On the 21st it 
was engaged with the Rebel cavalry near Clinton, and on the 
25th it participated in quite a severe fight at the crossing of 
the Oconee river. On the 3d of December some of the regi- 
ment's foragers were captured, and on the 4th it engaged the 
Rebels at Statesboro' and lost heavily. It engaged in the 
assault on Fort McAllister on the 13th. The fort was carried 
at the point of the bayonet, and in the attack the regiment 
lost 10 men killed and 80 wounded. On the 17th it moved 
with its division on an expedition to the Gulf Railroad, and, 
after destroying about fifty miles of track, returned to camp. 

On the 1st of January, 1865, the regiment moved two 
miles southwest of Savannah, and went into camp until the 
14th, when it started by land for Beaufort, South Carolina. 
The regiment was detained by high water, and on the 25th was 
compelled to embark on the steamer George Leary. It ar- 
rived at Beaufort on the same day, and overtook the remainder 
of the forces on the next day, three miles from town. Here 
it remained until the 30th, when it started on the campaign of 
the Carolinas. It passed through Pocotaligo, and on the 3d 
of February fought the Rebels at Duall's Creek. It passed 
through Bramburg, on the Charleston Railroad; crossed the 
South and North Edisto, skirmishing with the Rebels at both 
crossings; crossed the Saluda and Broad rivers, and, after 
heavy skirmishing, entered Columbia on the 17th. It also 
assisted in the destruction of the railroad buildings, and again 



57TH Ohio Infantry 143 

took up the line of march. It crossed the Wateree river on 
the 22d, and on the 23d recrossed the river near Liberty Hill, 
passed two miles to the left of Camden, and struck Lynch's 
Creek 22 miles from Camden, 

The 57th moved five miles down the creek to a bridge, 
but could not cross on account of the high water. It remained 
here until the 2d of March, when the march was resumed, 
and on the 12th the regiment arrived at Fayetteville. Pon- 
toons were laid over the Cape Fear river on the 13th, and on 
the 14th the regiment was on the march again. It skirmished 
heavily on the 15th at Black river, which it crossed at Mickey 
bridge. When within about 25 miles of Goldsboro' it was 
ordered back to reenforce the left wing of the army, then 
menaced by General Joseph E. Johnston. The regiment 
was engaged severely on the 19th, and on the 20th and 21st 
there was sharp skirmishing. On the 22d the enemy retired 
across Mill Creek, and, after passing a short distance, it was 
ordered toward Goldsboro', The regiment moved on to 
Raleigh, and, after the surrender of General Johnston, the 
march was continued through Petersburg and Richmond to 
Washington City. 

The 57th participated in the Grand Review May 24th; and 
on the 2d of June it was ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, 
where it arrived on the 7th. On the 25th of June the regiment 
started for Little Rock, Arkansas, and arrived at that place 
on the 6th of August. On the 14th it was mustered out of 
the service, and on the 25th was paid and discharged at Camp 
Chase, Ohio. 

The 57th traveled by railroad, steamboat, and on foot, 
more than 28,000 miles. 

The names of 1,594 men had been on its muster-rolls, 
and of that number only 481 were present at its muster out. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Morning Sun, Tenn July i, 1862 

Wolf Creek Bridge, Miss September 23, 1862 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28-29, 1862 

Arkansas Post, Ark. (Ft. Hindman) January 11, 1863 
Vicksburg, Miss, (assaults and siege) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Mission Ridge, Tenn November 25, 1863 



144 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Snake Creek Gap, Ga May 8, 1864 

Resaca, Ga May 13-16, 1864 

Dallas, Ga May 25 to June 4, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's first sortie) . .July 22, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. 2, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga August 31 to Sept. 2, 1864 

Statesboro, Ga December 4, 1864 

Fort McAllister, Ga December 13, 1864 

Fayetteville, N. C March 13, 1865 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 57th Ohio in Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicks- 
burg, Mississippi:^ 

CASUALTIES. 

In the assault, May 19, 1863, killed 5, wounded 13, 
total 18. In the assault, May 22, killed 2, wounded 11, total, 
13, and during the siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 7, wounded 24, total 31." 



58th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

RECOGNIZING the urgent necessity for an increase of 
the National forces in the field, in order to cope success- 
fully with the armies raised by the Rebel authorities, the 
President called on the diflPerent States for an additional con- 
tingent of 300,000 men. Ohio, always foremost in respond- 
ing to the calls of the Government, took hold of the matter with 
energy. Among a number of regiments projected at that 
time was the^58th Ohio. Under authority from the Governor, 
the regiment was organized by the appointment of Colonel 
Valentine Bausenwein as colonel, and the full complement of 
line and field officers. 

The regiment remained at Camp Chase, near Columbus, 
perfecting itself in the "school of the soldier," until February 
10, 1862, when, an urgent call being made for troops, the 



5^TH Ohio Infantry 145 

58th was at once placed under orders, and transported by rail 
to Cincinnati, arriving in that city on the nth of February. 
Embarking on the steamers Tigress and Dictator, the regi- 
ment left on the same day, en route for Fort Donelson, Tenn., 
and arrived there on the morning of the 13th of February. 

Tarrying only long enough to prepare their coffee, the 
regiment, then within four miles of the fort, pushed on with 
energy, impelled by the sounds of the conflict resounding 
through the woods. After making a fatiguing march of twelve 
miles over rough and circuitous roads, in order to get into a 
proper position, it went into camp late in the evening in sight 
of the fort. Tired and exhausted by the excessive fatigue of 
the day, the men threw themselves on the ground and were 
soon sound asleep, utterly oblivious of what might befall them 
the next day. They awoke in the morning surprised to find 
themselves covered by a fall of snow three inches in depth. 
The regiment was assigned to Thayer's Brigade of Lew. 
Wallace's Division. 

Preparations were at once made to take part in the assault 
on the fort. The colonel (V. Bausenwein) being ill, the second 
oflScer, Lieutenant-Colonel Ferd. Rempel, took command. 
This ofl&cer led the regiment at once toward the enemy. After 
moving a short distance a furious attack was made by the enemy, 
but the shock was met with coolness, and ended in the Rebels 
being hurled back into their intrenchments. This ended the 
active work of the day, although the regiment remained in line 
of battle until late in the evening, when it returned to camp. 
Early on the morning of the i6th the regiment was marched 
to the center of the line, where it remained until the announce- 
ment of the surrender of the fort. The 58th was immediately 
marched into the fort, and Lieutenant-Colonel Rempel, with 
his own hands, hauled down the first Rebel flag the members 
of the regiment had ever gazed upon. 

At the battle of Fort Donelson the 58th supported Taylor's 
Illinois Battery, placed on the Nashville Road, and success- 
fully held that important position against the Rebel Division 
under Bushrod Johnston. The Rebels, on their repulse, 
reported to Johnston that it was impossible to take the Nash- 
ville Road, as it was filled with regular soldiers. This mistake 
occurred from the fact that the men of the 58th Ohio wore 
hats with the regulation feather and dark blue uniforms. 



146 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Remaining near Fort Donelson until the 7th of March, 
the regiment left for Fort Henry, and arrived there the same 
day. On the 15th of March it moved up the Tennessee river 
to Crump's Landing and went into camp. 

The 58th went into the battle of Pittsburg Landing on 
the morning of the 7th of April, its position being on the right, 
in Taylor's Brigade, General Lew. Wallace's Division, and 
was under fire until 4 p. m., at which time the enemy retreated. 
The 58th was highly complimented for its conduct in the 
battle by General Lew. Wallace and other officers in command. 
Its loss was 9 killed and 43 wounded. 

After the battle Lieutenant-Colonel Rempel was detailed 
as provost-marshal of the army, in post at Pittsburg Landing. 

Then came the tedious, exhausting march on Corinth, 
creeping with snail-like pace toward that miserable town. 
On May 8 Corinth was evacuated by the Rebels, and the 58th, 
with the rest of the army, took possession. Our forces lay 
quiet here until the 1st of June, when a portion of them were 
ordered to different quarters. The 58th received orders for 
Memphis, where it arrived on the 17th of June. It remained 
but a short time at Memphis, orders being received to move 
down the river to Helena, Ark. It arrived there on the 27th 
of July, and remained until the 5th of October. During the 
time the regiment was at this place several reconnoissances 
were made down the Mississippi on transports, convoyed by 
gunboats, for the purpose of attacking and dispersing the 
guerrillas along the shores of that river. In one of these 
expeditions the Rebel steamer Fair Play, with 5,000 stand of 
arms and 2 pieces of artillery, was captured near Milliken's 
Bend, La. A brisk skirmish was also had with the 31st Louis- 
iana Regiment, capturing 40 of their number and all their 
camp equipage. 

The next expedition was up the Yazoo river, a detach- 
ment of the 58th acting as sharpshooters on the steamers 
Monarch, Sampson and Lioness. On reaching Haines' 
Bluff a few shots were exchanged with the enemy, who soon 
retreated, leaving three heavy siege guns, 2 brass field pieces, 
I thirty-pound Parrott, and a large amount of ordnance stores, 
which were destroyed by being thrown into the river. This 
occurred on the 20th of August. At Greenville, on the Mis- 
sissippi, returning, another skirmish was had with the enemy. 



58th Ohio Infantry . 147 

and several prisoners and some horses captured. At Bolivar 
Landing the Rebels were met a third time, and, after a spirited 
little fight, scattered into the woods. On the 27th of August 
the expedition reached the camp at Helena, and remained 
there until October 6. Orders were then received for the 
regiment to embark on the steamers Lacrosse and Conway, 
for St. Genevieve, Missouri, where it arrived October 6. 
On the 22d the regiment marched to Pilot Knob, but returned 
to St. Genevieve again on the i8th of November, and, embark- 
ing on the steamers War Eagle and White Cloud, the regiment 
moved to Camp Steele, Miss. 

The 58th remained at Camp Steele until the 22d of 
December, when it again embarked on the steamers Polar 
Star and Adriatic for Johnston's Landing, on the Yazoo river. 
On the 27th of December there was heavy skirmishing, in 
which the regiment took the lead, losing several men, among 
them Captain Christopher Kinser, of Company K, a gallant 
and meritorious officer. The 58th continued on the skirmish 
line all night. The next day it was ordered to charge the 
enemy's works, which it performed in gallant style, being the 
first to reach the works. After pressing the enemy back and 
gaining the first line of rifle-pits, it became evident that further 
eff^orts would prove unsuccessful. The regiment, therefore, 
fell back. In this affair the 58th lost 47 percent of the whole 
number engaged. Among the killed were three officers, in- 
cluding- the brave and efficient Lieutenant-Colonel Peter 
Dister. Among the wounded were Captains Morrison and 
Fix, and Lieutenants Defenbaugh, Kette, and Oderfeld. 
Captains Gallfy and Anderegg were captured. 

The regiment remained in this vicinity until January 2, 
1863, when it reembarked on transports and sailed down the 
Yazoo river to its mouth; thence up the Mississippi and White 
rivers to Arkansas Post, where it arrived late on the evening 
of the 9th of January, and took a prominent part in the capture 
of that place. With the rest of the National forces, the 58th 
embarked for Young's Point, La., and went into camp, and 
remained until the 8th of February, 1863. 

The 58th at this time received an order to serve on board 
the ironclads of the Mississippi flotilla, and was distributed by 
companies to the different steamers. In this line of duty it 
performed valuable service. 



148 Ohio at Vicksburg 

On the 15th of March an expedition was ordered up the 
Yazoo river into Deer Creek, which resulted in a three days' 
fight at "long-taw." Although quite a spirited affair, the 
regiment lost but few men. The expedition returned to 
the mouth of the Yazoo and remained there until the night 
of the i6th of April. On that memorable night the ironclads 
and transports ran the gauntlet of the Vicksburg batteries, 
losing but one man of those belonging to the 58th. 

On the 29th of April the battle of Grand Gulf was fought. 
In this battle the 58th lost heavily. The expedition marched 
up the river to Alexandria; thence up the Wachita as far as 
Trinity, where it captured and destroyed a large amount of 
goods belonging to the enemy; thence up to Harrisonburg, 
where the Rebels were found strongly fortified, so much so as 
to stand a heavy bombardment of two days without results, 
and to compel our forces to abandon the attack and return 
down the river to Bayou Sara, on the Mississippi river. Re- 
maining here but a few days, the mouth of the Red river was 
again visited, and made the base of the flotilla until the ist of 
September, 1863. From this point scouting expeditions were 
occasionally sent into the interior, with, however, little result. 

At this date the 58th was ordered to join the land forces 
at Vicksburg, and was assigned to the 1st Brigade, ist Division, 
17th Army Corps. The regiment remained at Vicksburg, 
performing provost duty, until December 24, 1864, when it 
was ordered to report at Columbus, Ohio, for discharge and 
muster-out of the service. This was consummated on the 
14th of January, 1865, and the members of the 58th returned 
to civil life. 

During its term of service, this regiment bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Fort Donelson, Tenn February 14-16, 1862 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 7, 1862 

Corinth,Miss. (siege of) April 30, 1862 

Milliken's Bend, La August 18, 1863 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 

Arkansas Post, La. (Ft. Hindman) .January 11, 1863 

Deer Creek, Miss March 21, 1863 

Grand Gulf, Miss April 29, 1863 

Big Black river bridge. Miss May 17, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss May 18 to July 4,1863 



68th Ohio Infantry 149 

Lake Providence, La June 10, 1863 

Fort Morgan, Ala August 5-23, 1864 

The following inscription appears on the monument of the 
58th Ohio Infantry, in Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicks- 
burg. Miss.: 

"This regiment was detailed for service on gunboats, by 
order of Major-General William T. Sherman, dated February 
6, 1863. Before that date it was attached to the ist Brigade, 
1st Division, 15th Corps." 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the bombardment at Grand Gulf, April 29, 1863, 
killed I, wounded 18, total 19. In the action near Yazoo 
City, May 23, killed i. In action near Vicksburg May, 23, 
wounded 5. In action near Vicksburg May, 27, killed 3, 
wounded i, total 4. And during the siege remainder of the 
siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 5, wounded 24, total 29." 



68th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

THIS regiment commenced to rendezvous at Camp Latta, 
Napoleon, Henry County, on the 2ist of November, 1861. 
Defiance, Paulding, Williams, and Fulton Counties, each 
furnished one company, and Henry County furnished the 
majority of the men in the other companies. The regiment 
was quartered in Sibley tents and furnished with stoves, and 
the men were rendered very comfortable. Rations were 
abundant and of an excellent quality; and supplies of poultry, 
vegetables, fruit and cakes, from home were received fre- 
quently. All these things made the campaign in the winter 
of 1861-2, in Henry County, the most pleasant campaign 
through which the regiment ever passed. 

On the 2 1st of January, 1862, the regiment moved to 
Camp Chas-e, where it remained until the 7th of February, 
when it moved to Fort Donelson, Tenn., arriving on the 14th. 
The regiment was assigned *'o General Charles F. Smith's 



150 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Division, and was constantly engaged in skirmishing on the 
left of the lines during both day's operations. After the 
surrender the regiment encamped near Dover until the 15th of 
•March, when it moved to Metal Landing, on the Tennessee, 
and from there by boat to Pittsburg Landing. The health 
of the regiment until this time, had been remarkably good; 
but now bad weather, bad water, and bad rations, reduced the 
regiment's strength from 1,000 to less than 250 men. The 
regiment was assigned to General Lew. Wallace's Division, 
and during the battle of Pittsburg Landing was engaged in 
guarding ordnance and supply trains. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Scott and Captain Richards, finding that the regiment was not 
likely to be engaged, went as volunteer aids to General Thayer, 
and in his official report were mentioned for gallant and 
efficient service. During the operations around Corinth, the 
regiment was constantly engaged in building roads, bridges, 
and intrenchments. After the evacuation the 68th, with the 
23d Indiana, was stationed at Bolivar, where they rebuilt the 
bridge across the Hatchie, and formed the guards along the 
railroad for a number of miles. 

The regiment participated in the battles of luka and 
Matamora, and for gallantry in the latter engagement was 
complimented in general orders. It closed the campaign of 
1862 by forming the advance of an expedition which attempted 
to penetrate the interior of Mississippi to Vicksburg. The 
design was frustrated by the surrender of Holly Springs, and 
the regiment returned to Memphis. Disasters in diff^erent 
portions of the army, and the influence of the traitorous press 
north, tended to depress the spirits of the western army, and 
some regiments lost heavily by desertion; but, during this 
time, only one man in the 68th was reported as a deserter. 
During the campaign in Mississippi, the regiment was assigned 
to the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 17th Army Corps, and it con- 
tinued to serve with the same until the close of the war. 

The spring campaign of 1863 found the regiment at Lake 
Providence, La., where it worked hard on the Lake Provi- 
dence canal, and in a fruitless attempt to clear a passage for 
boats through Bayou Tensas. It was engaged, also, on a 
similar work at Walnut Bayou, in the vicinity of Eagle Bend. 
About the loth of April, 1863, the regiment moved down to 
Milliken's Bend, and was for some time engaged in working 



68th Ohio Infantry 151 

on the military road toward Richmond, La. While here, 
Lieutenant J. C. Banks, of Company C, and privates John 
Snyder, of Company A, Joseph Longberry and William Barn- 
hart, of Company C, volunteered to take one of the transports, 
a common river steamer, past the Vicksburg batteries. They 
accomplished their undertaking successfully on the night of the 
2 1st of April. On the 23d of April the regiment began its 
march for the rear of Vicksburg. It marched more than 70 
miles over low bottom lands, still partly submerged, crossed 
innumerable bayous on bridges hastily constructed of timber 
from neighboring houses and cotton gins, and reached the 
Mississippi at Grand Gulf. The regiment moved down to 
Bruinsburg, where it crossed the river, and by a forced march 
was able to participate in the battle of Thompson's Hill, May 
I, 1863. The regiment followed closely after the retreating 
Rebels, and was engaged in the battles of Raymond, Jackson, 
May 14, Champion's Hill, and Big Black. The regiment 
sustained considerable loss in all these engagements, and 
especially at Champion's Hill. 

The regiment engaged in an attack on the Rebel works 
in the rear of Vicksburg on the i8th of May, and it participated 
in the assault on Fort Hill on the 22d. During the early part 
of the siege, the regiment was almost constantly in the trenches, 
and it also furnished large details of sharpshooters; but during 
the latter part of the siege it was placed in the Army of Observa- 
tion, near Big Black. It was on the reconnoissance toward 
Yazoo City, in the latter part of June, and it participated in 
the engagement at Jackson on the I2th of July. After the 
battle it guarded about 600 prisoners into Vicksburg. The 
regiment was quartered comfortably in the suburbs of Vicks- 
burg until the middle of August, when it moved on an expedi- 
tion to Monroe, La., and returned with one-third of its men 
either in the hospital or on the sick list. In October the 
regiment moved on a reconnoissance with the 17th Corps, and 
was engaged in a skirmish at Bogue Chitta Creek, and on the 
5th of February, 1864, it participated in the fight at Baker's 
Creek, while moving on the Meridian raid. This expedition 
prevented the regiment from going north on veteran furlough 
as promptly as it otherwise would have gone. It was one of 
the first regiments in the 17th Corps to report three-fourths of 
its men reenlisted, it having done so on the 15th of December, 



152 Ohio at Vicksburg 

1863. Upon its return from the Meridian raid the men were 
supplied with clothing, and the regiment embarked for the 
north, leaving 170 recruits at Vicksburg, who arrived just as 
the regiment was moving down to the landing. The regiment 
arrived at Cairo on the 23d of March, and embarked on the 
cars, moved by way of Indianapolis, Bellefontaine, and Colum- 
bus, to Cleveland, where it arrived on the 26th. Through 
Illinois and Indiana the regiment was welcomed everywhere 
with banners and flags. It was entertained substantially at 
the Soldiers' Home in Indianapolis on the morning of the 24th, 
and was feasted bountifully by the citizens of Muncie, Ind., on 
the evening of the same. The regiment was detained ten days 
at Cleveland before a paymaster could be obtained, and soon 
after payment, the regiment started for Toledo, where it 
arrived at 3 o'clock p. m., on the 6th of April. It was 
met by a delegation of citizens, headed by the mayor of the 
city, with bands of music, and after marching through the 
principal streets it was escorted to the Island House, where 
a splendid dinner was in waiting. This was the first welcome 
the regiment had received since entering the State. Special 
trains were made up on the different roads, and by night all 
the men were where they felt sure of a welcome — at home. 

On the 7th of May the regiment again took the cars at 
Cleveland, and proceeded to Cairo by way of Cincinnati. 
At Cairo it was joined by the recruits left at Vicksburg, and 
these, with those obtained during furlough, numbered over 
300. Here, too, the regiment turned over its old arms and 
drew new Springfield muskets. On the I2th of May the 
regiment, with more than 700 men for duty, embarked for 
Clifton, Tenn., and thence it marched by way of Huntsville, 
Decatur and Rome, to Acworth, Ga., where it joined the main 
army under Sherman on the lOth of June. During the re- 
mainder of the Atlantic campaign the 68th was under fire 
almost constantly. It was on the advance line for 65 days and 
nights, and it was engaged at Kenesaw, Nickajack, Atlanta, 
July 22 and 28; Jonesboro' and Lovejoy. On the 22d of 
July the regiment was engaged very heavily. It had been 
selected to go to the rear, and to picket the roads in the vicmity 
of army and corps headquarters; but upon reaching its posi- 
tion it discovered in its front, instead of cavalry, a corps of 
Rebel infantry; while, at the same time, another line of Rebel 



68th Ohio Infantry 153 

troops was forming across the road in its rear. Thus the 68th 
was sandwiched between the enemy's advance and rear lines. 
The Rebels were totally unaware of the position of this little 
Buckeye band. The commands of the Rebel officers could be 
heard distinctly, and prisoners were captured almost from the 
Rebel line of fileclosers. As the Rebel line moved forward, 
the 68th advanced, cheering, on the double-quick, and, dropping 
behind a fence, poured a volley into the Rebels, who were m 
the open field. The batteries of Fuller's Brigade, i6th Corps, 
responded to the alarm thus given, and the fight opened m 
earnest. The i6th Corps engaged the enemy so promptly 
that the rec^iment was enabled by a rapid movement by the 
flank, and a wide detour, to pass around the enemy's right, 
and to rejoin its brigade, which it found warmly engaged. 
The attack came from front and rear, and the men fought 
first on one side of the works and then on the other. At one 
time a portion of the brigade was on one side of the works, 
firing heavily in one direction, while a little way lower down 
the line the remainder of the, brigade was on the other side of 
the works, firing heavily in the other direction. The left of 
the brigade swung back to the crest of a small hill, the right 
still resting on the old works, and a few rails were thrown 
together, forming a barricade, perhaps a foot high, when the 
last charge of the day was made by two Rebel divisions. On 
they came in splendid style, not firing a shot, arms at "right 
shoulder shift," officers in front, lines well dressed, following 
each other in quick succession. The brigade held firm until 
the first line had crossed a ravine in its front, and the second 
line of reserves could be seen coming down the opposite slope. 
Then came a terrific crash of musketry, and then volley after 
volley. The Rebels fell back, leaving the ground thickly 
strewn with the dead and dying. 

After the engagement at Lovejoy the regiment vvas sta- 
tioned on the Rough and Ready Road, near Eastpoint, for 
two weeks, when it moved in pursuit of Hood. The regi- 
ment advanced as far as Gaylesville, Ala., and here quite a 
number of men were mustered out by reason of expiration of 
term of service. The regiment commenced its return march 
about the ist of November, and moved by way of Cave Springs 
and Lost Mountain to Smyrna Campmeeting Ground, where 
the men were supplied with clothing, and everything was 



154 Ohio at Vicksburg 

thoroughly overhauled. The railroad was destroyed, and 
on the 14th the regiment moved to Atlanta, and at daylight on 
the 15th commenced the march to the sea. With the ex- 
ception of an engagement with the Georgia militia at the 
crossing of the Oconee, and the destruction of the railroad 
buildings at Millen, the regiment experienced no variation 
from the easy marches and pleasant bivouacs which all en- 
joyed. On the loth of December the regiment reached the 
works around Savannah. On the 12th the 17th Corps moved 
well around to the right of the main road running from the 
city to King's bridge. Here the regirhent assisted in throw- 
ing up a heavy line of works, and furnished two companies 
daily as sharpshooters. During the operations around Savan- 
nah the regiment subsisted almost entirely upon rice, which 
was found in large quantities near camp, and which the men 
hulled and ground in rude hand-mills. Upon the occupation 
of the city the regiment was ordered on guard duty in the town, 
and was quartered comfortably in Warren and Oglethorpe 
Parks. Here, too, the regiment lost some valuable men who 
were mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service. 
A large number of commissions were received, and the regi- 
ment was supplied with a fine corps of young and enthusiastic 
officers. 

On the 5th of January, 1865, the regiment embarked at 
Thunderbolt Bay for Beaufort, and from there it formed the 
advance of the corps for the most of the way to Pocotaligo. 
Here some heavy works were thrown up, and after resting 
about two weeks the troops moved on the campaign of the 
Carolinas. The regiment marched by way of Orangeburg, 
Columbia, Winnsboro' and Cheraw, destroying property, 
both public and private; but upon entering the State of North 
Carolina, this destruction of property was forbidden by orders 
from superior headquarters. The march was continued 
through Fayetteville to Goldsboro', where the regiment arrived 
ragged, barefooted and bareheaded, and blackened and 
begrimed with the smoke of pine-knots. On the morning 
after its arrival the adjutant's report showed 42 men bare- 
footed, 36 bareheaded, and 260 wearing some article of citizens' 
clothes. The regiment rested ten days and then moved out 
to Raleigh. 

After the surrender of Johnston the regiment marched 
by way of Dinwiddie C. H., Petersburg, Richmond, Fred- 



68th Ohio Infantry 155 

ericksburg and Alexandria, to Washington City, where it 
participated in the Grand Review on the 24th of May. After 
the review, the 68th camped at Tenallytown for a week, when 
it was ordered to Louisville, Ky. It went into camp about 
two miles from the city, and a regular system of drill and 
discipline was maintained until the loth of July, when the 
muster-out rolls were signed, and the regiment was ordered 
to report to Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, for payment and 
discharge. Upon arriving at Cleveland the 68th was met at 
the depot by a delegation of citizens, and was escorted to 
Monument Square, where a splendid breakfast was served. 
After this the regiment marched to camp, where it remained 
until the i8th of July, 1865, when it was paid and discharged. 
During its term of service the regiment was on the "sacred 
soil" of every Rebel State except Florida and Texas. It 
marched over 7,000 miles, and traveled by railroad and steam- 
boat over 6,000 miles. Between 1,900 and 2,000 men belonged 
to the regiment, and of these 90 percent were native Ameri- 
cans, the others being Germans, Irish or English — the Ger- 
mans predominating. Colonel R. K. Scott commanded the 
regiment in all its engagements except Metamora, when 
Lieutenant-Colonel J. S. Snook commanded, until after the 
Vicksburg campaign, when the command devolved upon 
Lieutenant-Colonel George E. Welles, and he continued to 
hold the command in all the subsequent engagements, skir- 
mishes, and marches until the close of the war. The regi- 
ment was presented with a beautiful banner by the citizens 
of Henry County just before its muster-out; it having been 
impracticable to send the flag to the regiment at Atlanta as 
was intended. The flag was returned by Colonel Welles, on 
behalf of the regiment, to the citizens of Henry County, and it 
is now in the possession of Mr. Joseph Stout, of Napoleon, one 
of the principal donors, and always a staunch friend of the 
68th. The regimental colors were turned over to the Ad- 
jutant-General of the State, and were deposited in the archives. 
Upon these flags, by authority from corps and department 
headquarters, were inscribed the names of the following 
battles: Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Siege of Corinth, 
luka, Metamora, Thompson's Hills, Raymond, Jackson, 
Champion's Hill, Big Black, Vicksburg, May 22, and siege; 
Jackson, July 12; Monroe Raid, Bogue Chitta, Meridian 



156 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Raid, Kenesaw, June 27, and siege; Nickajack, Atlanta, July 
21, 22 and 28, and siege; Jonesboro', Lovejoy, Oconee, Savan- 
nah, Pocotaligo, Salkehatchie, Orangeburg, Columbia, Cheraw, 
Bentonville and Raleigh. 

During its term of service, this regiment bore an honorable 
part in the follow^ing battles: 

Thompson's Hills, Miss May i, 1863 

Raymond, Miss May 12, 1863 

Jackson, Miss May 14, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (assaults and siege) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Clinton and Jackson, Miss February 5, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Big Shanty, Ga June 15, 1864 

Kenesaw^ Mountain, Ga. (general 

assault) June 27, 1864 

Nickajack Creek, Ga July 2-5, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga., (Hood's first sortie). July 22, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. i, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga August 31 to Sept, 2, 1864 

Lovejoy Station, Ga September 2-6, 1864 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 68th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss. : 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, 1863, sustained no 
casualties. In the engagement at Raymond, May 12, wounded 
5. In the engagement at Jackson, May 14, sustained no 
casualties. In the battle of Champion's Hill, May 16, killed 
2, wounded 60, total 62; Lieutenant-Colonel John S. Snook 
killed. In the assault. May 19, sustained no casualties. In 
the assault, May 22, wounded 6; and during the siege not 
reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 2, wounded 71, total 73." 



yoTH Ohio Infantry 15 7 



70th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

WHEN the rebellion began to assume its gigantic propor- 
tions, in the fall of 1861, the President made his second 
call for men in numbers commensurate with the serious work 
on hand. Ohio, as ever, was equal to the occasion, and every 
effort was put forth to raise her quota. 

Upon application in person, J. R. Cockerill, of Adams 
County, was appointed, by the Governor, to the rank of colonel, 
with authority to raise the 70th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 
On the 14th day of October, a camp was established at West 
Union, and in the course of a few days 400 men had reported, 
including one full company, commanded by Captain Brown. 
Owing to the unprepared state of the general and state 
Governments, arms and equipments were not furnished to 
the regiment until at least a full month after they went into 
camp. Necessarily, therefore, the officers and men experienced 
at the outset some of the hardships of a soldier life, the officers 
sleeping in the large hall on the County Fair Grounds, the 
citizens furnishing supplies of bed clothes for both officers and 



men. 



By the 25th of December, seven full companies were 
organized and the other three in process of formation; at 
which time the regiment was ordered to Ripley to repel an 
anticipated raid from Kentucky. While at Ripley, two 
companies, originally intended for the 42d Ohio, were sent 
from Camp Dennison and attached to the 70th, thus complet- 
ing the regiment. 

The regiment, during its stay in camp, was thoroughly 
drilled and fitted for the field. On the 17th of February it 
was ordered to Paducah, Ky., and, on its arrival, reported to 
General W. T. Sherman, and was incorporated into his division, 
(5th) , then organizing. In brigading this division, the 70th 
was placed in the 3d Brigade, with the 48th and 72d Ohio, 
Colonel Buckland, of the 72d, commanding. 

On the loth day of March the division moved up the 
Tennessee river in transports, and disembarked at Pittsburg 
Landing. On the 17th it went into camp near Shiloh Church, 



158 Ohio at Vicksburg 

on the Corinth Road, three miles from the Landing. At this 
point three brigades of Sherman's Division were encamped in 
partial line of battle, facing south, the 3d Brigade in the center, 
and left the 70th resting directly upon the Shiloh Church, 
with a narrow road between the left company and the church; 
a small creek 300 or 400 yards in their front, forming a de- 
pression of 40 or 50 feet on the tableland. 

Orders were received on the 3d day of April, from Gen- 
eral Sherman, sending the 3d Brigade to reconnoiterto the front. 
No enemy in force was found within 5 miles. On the next 
day the Rebel cavalry made a dash, and carried off i officer 
and 7 men of the 70th from the picket post on the Corinth 
Road, about three-fourths of a mile in front of the camp. On the 
5th the enemy's cavalry and the National pickets were ex- 
changing shots all the afternoon. On Sunday morning, the 
6th, the picket line was driven in upon the line of battle, which 
was formed about 100 yards in front of the color line of the 
camp, and here it was that the storm struck it. The enemy 
withdrew his skirmishers, developed his advancing lines on 
the opposite slope, and opened a fierce fire with artillery and 
musketry, and the bloody battle of Pittsburg Landing had 
begun. The 70th stood its ground for about two hours, and 
only fell back to the color line of the camp. After the entire 
line to the left of the Shiloh Church had been completely 
turned, and not a soldier of any other regiment was to be seen 
on the original line of battle, the regiment fell slowly back, 
fighting every inch of ground during the entire day, and lay 
in front of the enemy at night over half way from Shiloh 
Church to the Landing. On Monday the regiment took 
part in the action during the whole day, and established an 
enduring name for bravery and endurance. General Sher- 
man, under whose eye they fought, spoke of the conduct of the 
regiment to every one in the most flattering terms, and in the 
report of the battle said: "Colonel Cockerill behaved with 
great gallantry, and held together the largest regiment of any 
colonel in my division; and stood by me from first to last." 

In common with the rest of the army the 70th took part 
in the advance on Corinth, sharing in the reconnoissances and 
skirmishes of that movement. After the fall of Corinth, 
Sherman's Division moved westward, arrived at Memphis 
in July, and remained on duty there until the following autumn. 



70TH Ohio Infantry 159 

A large number of new troops having arrived from the North, 
General Sherman was put in command of an army corps, 
General Denver of the division, and Colonel Cockerill of a 
brigade, consisting of the 70th, with the 53d Ohio, 97th and 
99th Indiana, and two batteries of artillery. (While at Mem- 
phis Major J. W. McFerrin died of congestive fever, much 
regretted by the regiment. Captain Brown was promoted 
to fill the vacancy.) After November 25, 1862, Colonel 
Cockerill never commanded the 70th, being continued in charge 
of the brigade until April, 1864, when he resigned. 

The army left Memphis in November, 1862, and, concen- 
trating upon the banks of the Tallahatchie river, prepared to 
march southward, through Mississippi, and invest Vicksburg. 
General Sherman was sent back to Memphis from Oxford, 
with General M. L. Smith's Division, and with the other 
troops then concentrating at Memphis, moved down the river 
to attack the Bluffs, while the main army was to march via 
Jackson and invest the city from that side. The loss of the 
entire stores and subsistence at Holly Springs compelled the 
army to fall back to the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, 
and the troops were sent to Vicksburg during the winter and 
spring of 1863, by the river, the division, now commanded 
by W. S. Smith, arriving via Yazoo Bluffs about the ist of 
June. 

The command of the 70th now devolved on Major Brown, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Louden having been sent home from 
Memphis on sick leave. The division was placed in the line 
commanded by General W. T. Sherman, formed in the rear of 
Vicksburg, to prevent the advance of the enemy under General 
Joseph E. Johnston. 

After the fall of Vicksburg General Sherman moved upon 
Jackson, the capital of the State, and during the siege the 70th 
and the entire brigade behaved in a gallant manner. The 
army returned to Black river, where the 48th Illinois was added 
to the brigade. Also Company F, 1st Illinois Light Artillery, 
Captain Cheney. 

A few days after the battle of Chickamauga, the 15th 
Army Corps, General Sherman, to which the brigade belonged, 
moved up the river to Memphis, and the corps marched through 
northern Mississippi, Alabama, and southern Tennessee, 
and took part in the battle of Chattanooga on the 25th and 
26th of November. 



i6o Ohio at Vicksburg 

The enemy was pursued to Ringgold, Georgia, from 
where the 15th Army Corps was sent to Knoxville to reenforce 
General Burnside. It returned about the ist of January to 
the vicinity of Huntsville, Ala. The division, which during 
this campaign had been commanded by General Hugh Ewing, 
went into winter quarters at Scottsboro', Ala. 

The march from Memphis to Knoxville via Chattanooga 
and back was over 700 miles, and is worthy of mention from 
the fact that almost incredible hardships were endured with- 
out a murmur. Many of the men of the 70th were without 
shoes, and the snowy, frozen earth retained their bloody 
footprints. Starvation also stared them in the face, as 30,000 
men were compelled to forage for subsistence from a belt of 
country but a few miles in width. 

In January, 1864, the 70th reenlisted as veterans, every 
company in the regiment carrying on the rolls the proper 
number of men to retain its organization. Every eligible 
company in the brigade did the same thing. 

In May, 1864, the entire army of General Sherman was 
put in motion, and cpmmenced the grand advance upon- 
Atlanta. During this memorable march the 17th participated 
in all the battles on the way and around Atlanta, and main- 
tained in each and all its high reputation. The regiment 
suffered a severe loss at Atlanta, in the death of its command- 
ing officers. Major Brown and Captain Summers, both of whom 
fell at their post. Lieutenant Krepps and Adjutant Urban, 
both of the city of Cincinnati, were also killed in this cam- 
paign, and were much regretted as gallant and meritorious 
soldiers. To fill the vacancies occasioned by these losses, 
the following promotions were made: Captain H. L. Phillips, 
who had acted as assistant adjutant-general for the brigade 
since its organization in 1862, at Memphis, was commissioned 
as lieutenant-colonel, and took command; Captain Brown 
(brother of the late Major Brown) was commissioned major; 
and these two officers served in their respective capacities 
until the end of the war. 

During the autumn and winter months the regiment 
marched through Georgia to the sea. On the 13th of Decem- 
ber, 1864, Fort McAllister was taken by storm, in which the 
70th participated and suffered severely. It was the first 
regiment to enter the work through the abattis and ditch, 
sweeping over the plain and through the works without a halt. 



70TH Ohio Infantry i6i 

The 70th was with Sherman in his march through the 
CaroHnas, and at Bentonville, N. C, lost a valuable officer in 
Captain Hare, killed in that action. Marching through 
Richmond to Washington City, it participated in the Grand 
Review before the President and his Cabinet. Thence it was 
sent to Louisville, Ky. Thence to Little Rock, Ark., where 
it was finally mustered out -of the service and discharged, 
August 14, 1865, having been nearly four years in the field. 
It returned home without a blemish upon its reputation, and 
was greeted by the citizens of the State and its peculiar locality 
with distinguished marks of approbation. It lost many 
valuable officers and men, whose memory will be forever 
cherished. 

"How sleep the brave who sink to rest 
With all their country's honor blest." 

It is somewhat remarkable that every officer who from 
first to last had a command in the regiment, was a member 
of it in its original organization before it left Ohio. 

During its term of service, this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6-7, 1862 

Vicksburg, (siege of) June 12 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Chattanooga, Tenn November 23-25, 1863 

Dallas, Ga May 25 to June 4, 1 864 

New Hope Church, Ga June 2, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga .June 9-30, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's 1st sortie) ... .July 22, 1864 
Ezra Church, Ga. (Hood's 2d sortie) July 28, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. i, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga August 31 to Sept, 2, 1864 

Lovejoy Station, Ga September 2-6, 1864 

Statesboro, Ga December 4, 1864 

Fort McAllister, Ga December 13, 1864 • 

Averysboro, N. C March 16-20, 1865 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 

Sherman's March to the Sea. 

The following inscription appears on the monument of the 
70th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.- 



1 62 Ohio at Vicksburg 

"This regiment served on the exterior line at Haynes' 
BlufF and Oak Ridge from about June 12, 1863, until the end 
of the siege, July 4, without reported casualties." 



72d REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

THIS regiment was organized at Fremont, Ohio, during 
the months of October, November and December, 1861. 
Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, H and I were recruited principally 
in Sandusky County. Company G, with a small portion of 
H and A, was recruited in Erie County. Company K was 
recruited mostly in Medina County, and portions of C and E 
were from Wood. 

On the 24th of January, 1862, the regiment, numbering 
about 900 men, left Fremont for Camp Chase. As the regi- 
ment had not the maximum number of men. Company K was 
broken up and distributed among the other companies. The 
officers rendered supernumerary were discharged, and a company 
originally recruited for the 52d Ohio, was assigned to the 72d, 
and designated Company K. The regiment was equipped 
fully, and in February was ordered to report to General W. T. 
Sherman, at Paducah. Here the regiment was assigned to a 
brigade, composed of the 48th, 70th, and 72d Ohio Regiments; 
Colonel Buckland commanded the brigade. Early in March, 
1862, Sherman's Division proceeded up the Tennessee to 
Fort Henry, where the main army was concentrated. The 
72d was on the steamer Baltic. From here the main army 
proceeded to Savannah, but Sherman's Division was ordered 
up to Eastport, Miss., in order to cut the Memphis and Charles- 
ton Railroad, and thus to prevent General J. S. Johnston 
from reenforcing Beauregard. Heavy rains and consequent 
high waters defeated the plan, and after a confinement of 16 
days on board the boats, Buckland's Brigade disembarked at 
Pittsburg Landing, and encamped near Shiloh Church. The 
long confinement on the transports, and bad water at Pitts- 
burg Landing, proved disastrous to the health of the troops, 
and the 72d was very much reduced in numbers. On the 3d 



72D Ohio Infantry 163 

of April Buckland's Brigade was engaged in a reconnoissance, 
in which the yid met the Rebel pickets and exchanged shots. 
On the next day Companies B and H were ordered to recon- 
noiter the front of the picket line. The companies became 
engaged, separately, with the Rebel cavalry, and Major 
Crockett and two or three men of Company H were captured 
and several were wounded. Company B was surrounded, 
but it fought for an hour against great odds, and was saved by 
the arrival of Companies A, D and F. Company B lost 4 
men wounded. 

Buckland's Brigade met the enemy about 7 o'clock on 
the morning of April 6, and withstood the onset of three 
successive Rebel lines; and, notwithstanding the defection of 
the brigade on the left, held its position for two hours, when 
General Sherman ordered it to retire. The Rebels had ad- 
vanced on the left and threatened to cut off the retreat, but 
the brigade made a rapid detour to the right, through a dense 
woods, and at li o'clock was in position on the right of the 
National line. The regiment was at the front constantly, and 
on the 7th it participated in the final charge, which swept the 
enemy from the field, and that night rested in the camp which 
it had abandoned the day before. The regiment lost 2 officers 
killed, 3 wounded, and i missing; and 13 men killed, 70 
wounded, and 45 missing. The regiment participated in the 
pursuit as far as Monterey. 

In the siege of Corinth the 72d bore a conspicuous part. 
Its losses were trifling in action but terrible by disease. During 
the siege General J. W. Denver assumed command of Buck- 
land's Brigade, and Colonel Buckland returned to the regi- 
ment. After the evacuation Sherman's Division moved west- 
ward along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and on the 
2 1st of July the regiment entered Memphis. No clothes had 
been drawn since the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and the men 
were covered with rags. The 72d was posted at Fort Picker- 
ing, and was engaged in the ordinary camp and garrison 
duties. The regiment was brigaded with the 32d Wisconsin, 
93d Indiana, 93d Illinois, and 114th Illinois. The brigade 
was designated the ist Brigade of the 3d Division. General 
Lanman commanded the division and Colonel Buckland 
the brigade. 

On the 26th of November the regiment marched toward 
Wyatt, on the Tallahatchie. The Rebels retreated, and 



164 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Sherman's forces were ordered back to Memphis. When the 
Memphis and Charleston Railroad was reached, the regiment 
was ordered to Moscow to hold the bridge over Wolf river. 
Here the regiment fell in with Richardson's guerrillas, but 
experienced no loss. The regiment remained at Moscow 
about two weeks, performing picket duty, and on the 9th of 
January, 1863, it was ordered to Corinth. It made the march 
in seven days, by way of Bolivar and Purdy. On the night 
after arriving, the weather turned intensely cold, and the men 
suffered severely. Buckland's Brigade was assigned to the 
i6th Corps, and was concentrated near Memphis. The yzd 
reached White's Station, nine miles east of Memphis, on the 
31st of January, and was engaged in picket duty and in work 
on the fortifications. 

On the 13th of March the regiment moved to Memphis, 
embarked on steamer Champion, and on the 14th proceeded 
down stream. The regiment had been reenforced by about 
40 nine-months' recruits, and these, with the addition of some 
returned convalescents, increased somewhat its effective 
strength. On the 2d of April the regiment went into camp 
four milesi'above Young's Point. It engaged in work on the 
canal, and in preparations for the coming campaign. The 
regiment commenced the march for the rear of Vicksburg on 
the 2d of May. It moved 70 miles southward through Louis- 
iana, and struck the Mississippi opposite Grand Gulf. It 
crossed the river on the 7th, and the next day moved for Jack- 
son, Miss. It participated in the battle of Jackson on the 

14th, and on the next day continued the march toward Vicks- 
burg, where it arrived on the i8th. It participated in the 
assault on the Rebel works on the 19th and 22d of May, and 
after that came the labor of the siege. It occupied a position 
on the right of Tuttle's Division, and within half a mile of the 
Mississippi, on the north of Vicksburg. On the 22d of June 

he regiment formed part of the force ordered to Big Black 
river to intercept General Joe Johnston, who was attempting 
the relief of Vicksburg. The 72d was thrown out on the ad- 
vance picket line, and continued to hold that position until 
the surrender of Vicksburg. The regiment then moved 
against General Johnston at Jackson, and, after the battle, 
pursued the Rebels to Brandon, where it had an engagement. 
After destroying a portion of the railroad, it returned to Big 

Black to rest and refit. 



72D Ohio Infantry 165 

The regiment moved to Oak Ridge, 21 miles from Vicks- 
burg, and near Yazoo river, in the latter part of the summer, 
and in September it participated in a four days' scout to 
Mechanicsville, in which it experienced some severe marchmg 
and lively skirmishing. On the 15th of October the regiment 
moved on General McPherson's expedition to Canton, and on 
its return went into camp 8 miles in the rear of Vicksburg. 
About the middle of November the regiment was ordered 
with its division to Memphis, to guard the Memphis and 
Charleston Railroad. It was stationed at Germantown, 14 
miles east of Memphis. On the 2d of January, 1864, the 
regiment reenlisted and soon after moved to Memphis, and in 
February it took part in the expedition under Colonel Mc- 
Millan to the Tallahatchie river, to create a diversion in favor 
of General W. S. Smith's cavalry expedition; all being a part 
of General Sherman's Meridian expedition. This lasted 13 
days, and the regiment marched 150 miles. 

On the 23d of February it received its veteran furlough 
and proceeded North. It arrived at Fremont, Ohio, on the 
28th of February, and received a cordial welcome from the 
citizens of Sandusky County. On the 5th of April the regi- 
ment reassembled at Fremont and moved to Cleveland. Dur- 
ing the furlough recruiting had been brisk, and the regiment 
returned to the front numbering nearly 500 men. 

On the 8th of April the 72d moved by rail to Cairo, where 
it arrived on the loth, and while awaiting river transportation, 
it was ordered to Paducah, Ky., to assist in the defense of that 
place against Forrest. On the 14th the Rebels made a slight 
attack, but it was nothing more than a skirmish. The regi- 
ment remained at Paducah until the 22d, when it embarked 
for Memphis, where it arrived the next day. The regiment 
remained quietly in camp, drilling the new recruits, until the 
30th of April, when it joined an expedition under General 
Sturgis against Forrest. The infantry moved by rail nearly 
to Wolf river, 38 miles east of Memphis, and from there marched 
to Bolivar, arriving just in time to find the place evacuated. 
From here the expedition marched southward toward Ripley, 
Miss., but finding no enemy it turned back, and on the 9th 
of May reached Memphis. 

On the 1st of June the regiment formed part of an ex- 
pedition, consisting of 12 regiments of infantry and a division 



i66 Ohio at Vicksburg 

of cavalry, against Forrest. At one o'clock p. m., on the loth 
of June, Forrest was encountered at Brice's Cross Roads, 
Miss., and the cavalry commenced skirmishing. The enemy 
v^as in a well chosen position, behind Tishomingo Creek. 
The infantry was brought up on the double-quick for several 
miles, and at once thrown into action. No attempt was made 
to establish a line, and the regiments were hurled against the 
enemy, one at a time; and thus each regiment was subjected 
to great odds, and was badly cut up. To make matters worse, 
an attempt was made to advance the wagon train across the 
creek, directly under the enemy's fire. Great confusion 
ensued. A retreat was ordered and the retreat became a 
panic. A portion of the train had been destroyed, and the 
rest fell into the hands of the Rebels; so the National troops 
were without ammunition and without rations. No attempt 
was made to cover the rear and to secure an orderly retreat. 
It was a regular stampede; and on the same day of the fight 
the expedition fell back 23 miles to Ripley. Here an attempt 
was made to reorganize, but to no purpose. The officer in 
command of the expedition surrounded himself with cavalry 
and started for Memphis, leaving the infantry, as he expressive- 
ly remarked, "to go to the devil." The only safety to the 
infantry from death or Rebel prisons lay in reaching Mem- 
phis, and to do this it must outmarch the Rebel cavalry. In- 
credible as it may seem, 9 officers and 140 men of the /id 
reached Germantown on the morning of the I2th, thus march- 
ing at the close of the battle, and without a morsel of food, 
100 miles in 41 hours. Eleven officers and 237 men of the 
yid were killed, wounded, or captured — the greater portion 
were captured — and of these very few ever returned to the 
regiment. Many of those who reached Germantown were 
broken down completely, and upon reaching Memphis, where 
the regiment was transported by rail, many of the men were 
utterly helpless, and could neither walk nor stand. 

The regiment was assigned to the ist Brigade (General 
McMillan commanding) of Mower's Division, i6th Corps; 
and on the 22d of June it was ordered on an expedition, mov- 
ing in the direction of Tupelo, Miss. On the nth of July 
the Rebels were found in position near Pontotoc. The corps 
made a feint against the enemy, and then moved rapidly east- 
ward toward the Mobile and Ohio Railroad at Tupelo. In 



72D Ohio Infantry 167 

this movement McMillan's Brigade, barely 900 strong, was in 
rear of tlfe infantry column, and just in advance of the wagon 
train. When about 2 miles west of Tupelo Bell's Brigade of 
N. B. Forrest's command, which was in ambush, attacked the 
column. The attack fell mainly upon the yzd. The regi- 
ment at once charged the enemy. The remainder of the 
brigade was brought into action, and within 20 minutes the 
Rebels were driven from the field, utterly routed. On the 
return march, McMillian's Brigade again marched in rear of 
the infantry column; and just as it was going into bivouac for 
the night at Tishomingo Creek, Bell's Brigade fell upon the 
cavalry rear guard and drove it into camp. McMillian's 
Brigade formed rapidly and advanced. A volley checked 
the enemy and a charge drove him from the field. In this 
charge Major E. A. Ransom, a gallant officer, who was in 
command of the 72d, was mortally wounded. The expedition 
reached Memphis without further molestation. During this 
expedition the casualties in the 72d were 2 officers and 19 
men wounded, and of these i officer and 4 men mortally. 

About the 27th of July the regiment moved with the 
corps in the direction of Oxford, Miss., but the 3d Division 
of the corps was ordered to Atlanta, and the troops returned to 
Memphis. On the ist of September Mower's Division was 
ordered to Arkansas to resist Price. On the 2d the regiment 
embarked on a steamer for Duvall's Bluff, but it did not reach 
its destination until Price had passed north; thus it failed to 
intercept him. After a short delay at Duvall's Bluff Mow^er's 
Division moved northward. The march was continued for 
18 days; and in that time the troops traveled 350 miles, forded 
4 rivers, and reached the Mississippi at Cape Girardeau, 
Mo. The weather was very warm, and the m^en Mere on less 
than half rations. At Cape Girardeau the division took 
transports for St. Louis, and, after a short halt there, moved 
to Jefferson City. From this point the division moved against 
Price. The troops marched from early in the morning till 
late at night, making every day from 30 to 45 miles. But 
Price's force was well mounted, and it was impossible to over- 
take him. The pursuit continued as far as Little Sante Fe, 
on the Kansas line, and there the infantry turned back to St. 
Louis. The weather became intensely cold. The men had 
only the clothing which was on their backs and a rubber 



1 68 Ohio at Vicksburg 

blanket. Wood was not to be found, and snow fell to the depth 
of 12 inches. After enduring many hardships the 72d reached 
St. Louis on the i6th of November. 

The rest was brief. The division was ordered up the 
Cumberland, and on the 30th of November it joined the forces 
under General Thomas at Nashville, and was posted on the 
right of the line. General J. A. McArthur now commanded 
the division, General Mower having been ordered to join 
General Sherman in October. On the 7th of December the 
yad was on a reconnoissance, and became warmly engaged, 
losing II men killed and wounded. During the first day of 
the battle of Nashville the regiment participated in a charge, 
in which 350 prisoners and 6 pieces of artillery were captured. 
At night it was sent to Nashville with prisoners, but it returned 
in time to take part in the fight on the i6th, and was engaged 
in the charge on Walnut Hills. In this battle McMillan's 
Brigade, numbering less than 1,200 men, captured 2,000 
prisoners and 13 pieces of artillery, while its total loss w^as only 
160. The division moved to Eastport, Miss., and went into 
camp. Supplies were scarce, and the troops subsisted for 
some days on parched corn. 

In February, 1865, it moved to New Orleans and camped 
on the old battleground. On the 28th of February it em- 
barked on the ocean steamer Empire City, and on the 3d of 
March it landed at Fort Gaines, on Dauphin Island. On the 
19th it crossed the east side of Mobile Bay, moved up Fish 
river, and landed about 30 miles east of Spanish Fort. A 
short time was allowed for bringing up supplies, and on the 
27th Spanish Fort was invested. The siege lasted until the 
8th of April, when the fort was evacuated. In these operations 
the 72d lost I man killed and 3 wounded. On the 9th of 
April the regiment moved against Fort Blakely, which was 
captured on that same day. On the 13th of April it marched 
for Montgomery, Ala., and, after 13 days, reached its destina- 
tion. On the loth of May the division moved to Selma, 
arriving on the 14th, and on the following day McMillan's 
Brigade was ordered to Meridian, Miss. Here the regiment 
remained on garrison duty until June, when it was placed 
along the line of the railroad west of Meridian. About the 
same time orders were received to muster out all men in the 
, regiment whose term of service would expire before October 



72D Ohio Infantry 169 

I, 1865. Under this order -41 men were discharged. In 
September the yzd moved to Corinth, but it was soon ordered 
to Vicksburg, where it was mustered out on the i ith of Septem- 
ber, 1865. It at once embarked for Ohio, and was paid and 
discharged at Camp Chase. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 7, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (siege of) April 30 to May 31, ,1862 

Russell House, Miss May 17, 1862 

Jackson, Miss May 14, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (assaults) May 19 and May 22, 1863 

Big Black river. Miss July 6, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-15, 1863 

Brandon, Miss July 19, 1863 

Hickahala Creek, Miss February 10, 1864 

Brice's Cross Roads, Miss. (Gun- 
town) J'^ne 10? 1 864 

Harrisburg, Miss July 13, 1864 

Tupelo, Miss July 14, 1864 

Oldtown Creek, Miss July 15, 1864 

Little Harpeth, Tenn December 6, 1864 

Nashville, Tenn December 15, 16, 1864 

Pursuit of Hood Dec. 17 to Jan. i, 1865 

Spanish Fort, Ala March 26 to April 9, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 72d Regiment Ohio Infantry in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the assault. May 19, 1863, killed i, wounded 13, total 
14. In the assault. May 22, wounded i. In the affair on the 
picket line the night of June 19, wounded 2; and during the 
siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed i, wounded 16, total 17." 



170 Ohio at Vicksburg 



76th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

CAPTAIN CHARLES R. WOODS, of the 9th United 
States Infantry, having been authorized to raise a regi- 
ment for the three years' service, recruited and organized 
the 76th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at Newark, Ohio, on the 9th 
of February, 1862. The regiment left Newark, and, proceed- 
ing via Paducah, Ky., to Fort Donelson, took an active part 
in the engagement at that place. On the 6th of March it 
moved to the Tennessee river, and then up the river to Crump's 
Landing, where it remained until the 31st, when it marched 
to Adamsville, and took position in General Lew. Wallace's 
Division, in the right wing of General Grant's army. The 
division made a forced march to Pittsburg Landing on the 
6th of April, and was in line of battle by dark, and during the 
entire engagement was constantly exposed to the enemy's 
fire. In the latter part of April the regiment formed a part of 
a reconnoitering party toward Corinth, charging the Rebels, 
driving them from their position, and destroying their camp 
equipage. It formed a part of the grand reserve during the 
advance on Corinth, and, after the evacuation, moved to 
Memphis, arriving on the 17th of June, having marched 130 
miles with wagon supplies. The 76th moved down the river 
on the 24th of July, and encamped near Helena, Ark. 

In the reorganization of the Army of the Southwest, the 
76th was placed in the 2d Brigade, commanded by Colonel 
C. R. Woods, and in the 3d Division, commanded by General 
P. J. Osterhaus. On the i6th of August the regiment, form- 
ing a part of an expedition of observation, moved down the 
Mississippi, landed at Milliken's Bend on the i8th, surprised 
the 31st Louisiana Regiment, and captured all its camp and 
garrison equipage. The enemy was followed 9 miles, and 40 
prisoners were captured. The fleet dropped down to the mouth 
of the Yazoo, and a detachment, comprising a portion of the 
76th, proceeded up the mouth of the Yazoo, surprised Haines' 
Bluff", and captured 4 siege guns, 2 field pieces, and a large 
quantity of fixed ammunition. The expedition returned to 
Helena on the 27th. The regiment embarked for St. Gene- 



76th Ohio Infantry 171 

vieve, Mo., early in October, and, remaining a week, moved 
with the division to Pilot Knob, where it encamped for rest 
and reorganization. It became very healthy and efficient 
during its stay here, and on the I2th of November returned to 
St. Genevieve and embarked for Camp Steele, Miss. On the 
2 1st of December it formed a part of General Sherman's ex- 
pedition for Vicksburg. The fleet arrived at Johnson's 
Landing, on the Yazoo, on the 26th, and the division, then 
commanded by General Steele, disembarked; and Hovey's 
Brigade, of which the 76th was a part, made a feint on Haines' 
Bluff, and then took position on the extreme left of the army. 
On the 29th the division moved to the main army at Chicka- 
saw bayou; and, during the battle, the regiment was held in 
reserve. 

General Sherman having abandoned the assault on Vicks- 
burg, the troops reembarked and proceeded up the Mississippi, 
landing at Arkansas Post on the evening of the loth of January, 
1863. That night the regiment marched 6 miles through 
mud and water, and. by 2 o'clock next morning the troops 
occupied the cantonments of the enemy. Shortly after day- 
light they moved upon the enemy's works, and about i o'clock 
the 76th charged within 100 yards of the rifle-pits, halted, 
opened fire, and held the position for 3 hours, when the enemy 
surrendered. On the 14th, after burning the cantonments of 
the enemy, it returned to the river, and, embarking on the 23d, 
the troops landed at Young's Point, La. On the night of the 
14th of February two noncommissioned officers of Company 
B were killed and four disabled by lightning. During the 
entire month heavy details were made from the regiment to 
work upon the canal then in progress across the neck of land 
opposite Vicksburg. On the 2d of April the regiment, with 
Steele's Division, proceeded on transports up the river to 
Greenville, Miss. The command marched down Deer Creek 
after the Rebel force under Colonel Ferguson, and on the 7th 
made an attack and routed them. The command returned 
to Greenville after destroying a million dollars' worth of corn 
and cotton, and bringing off a large number of cattle, horses, 
and mules. About 300 negroes followed the troops on their 
return, and were enlisted in colored regiments. 

On the 24th the 76th returned to Young's Point, and on 
the 26th moved to Milliken's Bend, and prepared to march 



172 Ohio at Vicksburg 

with the grand army southward. On the 2d of May the 15th 
Corps started for Hard Times Landing, where it arrived on 
the 6th, and crossed to Grand Gulf. The 76th moved east- 
ward, and, at Fourteen Mile Creek, the division was attacked 
by a mounted force of the enemy. Colonel Wood's Brigade 
pushed across the creek in the face of a sharp fire and drove 
the enemy back. At Jackson the regiment charged the 
works on the enemy's left. The works were evacuated and 
the city surrendered. On the i6th the corps marched for 
Vicksburg, and on the i8th took position in the line of in- 
vestment. The next day the regiment pushed along the foot 
of the bluffs near the river, and established itself in position 
600 yards from the main lines of the enemy. The batteries 
of the enemy in front of the 76th were silenced, and none of 
his guns could be manned except those of the water batteries. 
Heavy details were constantly made for strengthening the 
works-. In the course of several nights 8 guns were taken off 
the sunken gunboat Cincinnati and placed in position with 
telling effect. After the surrender of Vicksburg the regiment 
marched in pursuit of Johnston, and arrived at Jackson on 
the loth of July. While here it was chiefly employed in 
foraging and making reconnoissances. On the 23d the 
regiment marched for Big Black bridge, where the corps 
went into camp for rest and reorganization. 

On the 23d of September the division (General Oster- 
haus in command) embarked at Vicksburg for Memphis; and 
on the 30th moved from the latter place by railroad to Corinth. 
During the months of October and November the regiment 
marched and skirmished in northern Alabama and Tennessee, 
arriving at Chattanooga in time to join General Hooker in 
the assault on Lookout Mountain; was engaged at Mission 
Ridge; and on the 27th of November charged up Taylor's 
Ridge under a heavy fire, suffering a fearful loss. In one 
company of 20 men, 8 were killed and 8 wounded, and 7 men 
were shot down while carrying the regimental colors. After 
marching and bivouacking in various places, on the ist of 
January, 1864, the regiment went into camp for the winter 
at Paint Rock, Ala. 

On the 4th of January about two-thirds of the regiment 
reenlisted as veterans, and leave was granted to proceed to 
Ohio. On the 30th it moved, via Nashville, Louisville and 



76th Ohio Infantry 173 

Cincinnati, to Columbus, Ohio, and on the 8th of February 
took the train for Newark. The regiment disembarked one 
mile from the city, and moved into town in column by company. 
It was enthusiastically welcomed by a large concourse of the 
citizens; speeches were made and a sumptuous repast was 
partaken of at the City Hall. The members were furloughed 
to their homes. The 76th went away 962 strong, and re- 
turned in two years with less than 300. The regiment returned 
to Cincinnati on the 15th of March, and proceeded, via Louis- 
ville, Nashville and Huntsville, to the old camp at Paint 
Rock. On the ist of May it broke camp and marched with 
the division for Chattanooga. At Bridgeport it was presented 
with a new stand of colors from the citizens of Newark. 
The troops arrived at Chattanooga on the 6th, and pushed 
forward 12 miles. On the 9th the regiment moved through 
Snake Creek Gap, and continued moving forward, skirmishing 
and fortifying, until the 14th, at 6 o'clock in the evening, 
when the regiment, with the brigade, charged across the 
fields under a hot fire, and gained a footing on the first line of 
hills west of Resaca. On the i6th, the enemy having evacuated, 
the 76th moved through Resaca and Adairsville to Dallas. 
Hardee's Corps assaulted the lines of the 15th Corps on the 
28th, and was repulsed, leaving many dead on the field, some 
of them within 50 yards of the works in front of the 76th Ohio. 
On the 1st of June the corps moved to the left, near New 
Hope Church, then to Acworth, then south, and so on, each 
day advancing and fortifying, until, on the 22d, it occupied a 
position near the railroad at the foot of Kenesaw Mountain. 
The regiment remained in the rifle-pits until after the Rebels 
evacuated it; then moved to Rossville; thence across the 
Chattahoochie, through Decatur, to within four miles of 
Atlanta, on the 20th of July. On the 22d the Rebels captured 
four 20-pound Parrott guns, and the 76th Ohio and the 13th 
Iowa, of the 1st Brigade, were the first to drive the enemy 
from the works and to recapture the guns. About noon on the 
28th the enemy attacked the whole line of the 15th Corps; and 
three successive charges being made, each one proved un- 
availing. 1,000 of the Rebel dead were found in front of the 
15th Corps. On the 13th of August the skirmish line in front 
of the division was advanced, and the 76th captured 50 prisoners. 
On the 26th the regiment moved out of the works, w^ith the 



174 Ohio at Vicksburg 

division, to the West Point and Montgomery Railroad, which 
they destroyed, marched southward toward Jonesboro'; and 
oh the night of the 30th formed in line across Flint river. 
The next day the Rebels charged the line and were repulsed, 
the 76th taking an active share in the engagement, without 
the protection of rifle-pits. 

On the 8th of September the division moved to East 
Point and encamped for rest and reorganization. On the 4th 
of October the regiment crossed the Chattahoochie, marched 
through Marietta, north of Kenesaw Mountain, near Adairs- 
ville; through Resaca; through Snake Creek Gap; and on the 
i6th skirmished with the enemy at Ship's Gap. On the next 
day the regiment marched through Lafayette, and on the i8th 
moved south through Summerville and bivouacked. Here 
the nonveterans were mustered out. The regiment moved 
with the army to Little river, Cave Springs, and near to Atlanta. 
On the 15th of November the 15th Corps cut loose from 
Atlanta and moved southward with the right wing of the 
army, averaging 15 miles per day, and foraging off the country. 

The route of the 15th Corps was via McDonough, Indian 
Springs, Clinton, and Irwintown, crossing the Macon and 
Augusta Railroad 20 miles east of Macon; thence eastward 
across the Oconee river to the Ogeechee, and down the west 
bank of that stream to the mouth of the Cannouchee; thence 
across the Ogeechee eastward to Savannah, where it formed 
on the l8th of December, being 26 days out from Atlanta. 

After the evacuation the regiment performed provost 
guard duty in the city until the 9th of January, 1865, when it 
embarked on the gunboat Winona for Beaufort, S. C. From 
Beaufort it marched to Gardner's Corners, where preparations 
were made for the march northward; and on the 31st the 
command broke camp and started on the "Campaign of the 
Carolinas." On the i6th of February the troops formed on 
the outskirts of Columbia, and the 76th was engaged in skir- 
mishing until the evacuation of the city, when it again per- 
formed provost guard duty for 4 days. The troops arrived 
at Fayetteville on the 12th of March; crossed Cape Fear and 
Black rivers; moved to Bentonville, where they engaged the 
enemy; and thence via Goldsboro' to Raleigh, where the 76th 
remained until Johnston's surrender. 

On the 30th of April the army broke camp and marched, 
via Richmond and Hanover C. H., to Washington, reaching 






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76th Ohio Infantry i75 

the capital on the 23d of May, 1865. The 76th shared in the 
Grand Review, and shortly after moved to Louisville, Ky., 
w^here it was mustered out. It then proceeded to Columbus, 
Ohio, and was discharged on the 24th of July, 1865. 

This regiment participated in 44 battles; moved 9,625 
miles on foot, by rail, and by water; passed through the rebel- 
lious states of Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, 
North Carolina, and Virginia. 241 men were wounded in 
battle; 351 died on the field or in hospitals; 222 carry scars 
as evidence of their struggle with the enemy, and 282 have the 
seeds of disease contracted in the line of duty. It is a sad, 
but noble record, and the survivors may well be proud of the 
part they have taken in establishing the greatness and per- 
manence of the American Union. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Fort Donelson, Tenn February 14-16, 1862 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6-7, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (siege of) April 30 to May 30, 1862 

Milliken's Bend, La August 18, 1862 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 

Arkansas Post, Miss. (Ft. Hind- 
man) ' January 11, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Canton, Miss July 18, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Lookout Mountain, Tenn November 24, 1863 

Mission Ridge, Tenn November 25, 1863 

Ringold, Ga November 27, 1863 

Resaca, Ga May 13-16, 1864 

Dallas, Ga May 25 to June 4, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's first sortie) . . -July 22, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. i, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga August 31, Sept. i, 1864 

Lovejoy Station, Ga September 2-6, 1864 

Ship's Gap, Ga October 16, 1864 

Gadsden, Ala October 26, 1864 

Columbia, S. C February 16, 17, 1865 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 



1/6 Ohio at Vicksburg 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 76th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss. : 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the assault, May 19, 1863, sustained no casualties. 
In the assault, May 22, wounded 5. During the siege, killed 
I — Lieutenant Charles Luther. Other casualties during the 
siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed i, wounded 5, total 6." 



78th REGIMENT OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER 

INFANTRY. 

Record by Sergeant Wm. P. Gault. 

'"T^HIS regiment was recruited and organized in Camp 
1 Gilbert, Zanesville, Ohio, during the months of November 
and December, 1861, to serve for 3 years or during the war, 
and was mustered into the United States service January 11, 
1862, with a total enlistment of 980 officers and men, the en- 
listments coming largely from the counties of Muskingum, 
Morgan, Noble, Guernsey and Columbiana. 

Captain Charles C. Gilbert, of the regular army, had 
been selected for its colonel, but at the time the selection was 
made. Captain Gilbert was an officer on the staff of General 
Buell, and that officer, learning of Captain Gilbert's intentions, 
used his influence with the War Department to prevent the 
consummation of the plan, and finally succeeded in having the 
War Department revoke the order to be issued giving Captain 
Gilbert the commission, and Mortimer D. Leggett was finally 
commissioned colonel of the regiment. 

The field officers as mustered with the original organiza- 
tion were as follows: Mortimer D. Leggett, colonel; Benjamin 
F. Hawkes, lieutenant-colonel; David F. Carnahan, major; 
John E. Jewett, adjutant; John C. Douglass, quartermaster; 
Oliphant M. Todd, chaplain; James S. Reeves, surgeon; 
Samuel C. Mendenhall, assistant-surgeon. 



78th Ohio Infantry 177 

The first order to move was received by Colonel Leggett 
January 31, but the regiment not yet having received their 
arms, at the request of Colonel Leggett, the order was counter- 
manded, and on February 2, 1862, the regiment was furnished 
with Enfield rifles and all necessary accoutrements. From 
that date, drilling, both in manual of arms, company, and 
battalion drill, was the order of the day, until February 10, 
when orders came to move the next day; but apparently no 
one knew where the move would take the regiment. Early 
the morning of February 11 the bugler sounded "Strike 
Tents" and soon all were busily engaged in packing their 
knapsacks, which necessary accoutrement, the boys well 
remember, at that time of their service, was a much heavier 
load than they would think of carrying one year later when in 
the field or on the march. 

By 6 p. m. February 11 all were on board the cars, the 
last farewell given, and the start was made, reaching Cincinnati 
the morning of the I2th, where they remained only long enough 
to ship on board the boats that were in waiting for them. 
The rifyht wing of the regiment was assigned the steamer 
Tecumseh, and the left wing the steamer Neptune. As soon 
as all were on board, the start was made down the river, but 
the destination as yet was unknown. That night on the Ohio 
river was made miserable by reason of a severe storm of wind 
and snow, giving the boys of the regiment their first experience 
to the exposure of a storm of wind and snow without any 
shelter, and the mercury hovering about the zero mark. The 
storm became almost a hurricane, compelling the Tecumseh 
to tie up until morning. When the wind subsided the boat 
weighed anchor, and again was ploughing her way down the 
Ohio, until she reached the mouth of the Cumberland, when 
orders were received to draw five days' rations, and press on up 
the Cumberland river to Fort Donelson as fast as possible. 
Reaching a point within 3 miles of the fort, the evening of 
February 15, the boats anchored and remained there until 
the morning of the i6th, when orders came to disembark, and 
march to the scene of action. They reached the battlefield in 
front of the enemy's lines, not in time to participate in the 
battle, but in time to see the white flag appear on the parapets 
of the enemy in token of their unconditional surrender. On 
the 1 8th Colonel Leggett was appointed provost marshal in 



1/8 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Dover, and the regiment was marched into the town, and 
camped on the hillside below the village. The camp proved 
very unsanitary, both in location and. the water they were 
necessarily compelled to use, which soon caused sickness and 
disease to become prevalent, causing more than half of the 
regiment to report to sick call. They remained in that camp 
until March 7, when orders came to move to Metal Landing 
on the Tennessee river, where they camped the evening of the 
8th. About this date the 78th Regiment was brigaded with 
the 20th, 56th, and 76th Ohio Regiments, forming an Ohio 
Brigade, under command of Colonel Whittlesey of the 20th 
O. V. I., and assigned to the 3d Division commanded by 
General Lew. Wallace. They remained at Metal Landing 
until March 16, when they were ordered on board the steamer 
Choutau, and started for Crump's Landing, reaching that 
place the same evening, where they disembarked and went 
into camp, remaining there until the morning of the 31st, 
when they marched inland 6 miles to Adamsville, where the 
division formed an outpost on the right flank of the army 
then concentrating at Pittsburg Landing. For the next three 
or four days the division was constantly threatened with 
an attack by the enemy, and several slight skirmishes took 
place, but none rising to the dignity of an engagement. How- 
ever, the danger was so great that General Wallace had his 
entire division in line of battle every morning before daylight, 
ready to give battle should the enemy make an attack. Early 
Sunday morning, April 6, the roar of musketry and the boom- 
ing of cannon in the direction of Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh) 
indicated too plainly that a fierce battle was raging there. 
Immediately the 78th Regiment with its division, was ordered 
to pack knapsacks and be ready to move as reinforcements 
to General Grant at Shiloh. After a strenuous march through 
mud over shoetops, and a downpour of rain, the 78th with 
its brigade, took position in line of battle on the extreme right 
of Grant's army, about 9 p. m. the same evening, and awaited 
the onslaught of the enemy in the morning. Early the morning 
of April 7 the enemy opened fire on the entire brigade, inflicting 
some losses. However, the brigade held their position on the 
line, but did not attempt to advance until about 2 p. m., when, 
securing the support of a battery of 6 guns, the regiment, with 
its division, was ordered to advance, which order was gallantly 



78th Ohio Infantry 179 

obeyed, driving the left flank of the enemy back to and across 
the Purdy Road. Soon after our advance the entire line of the 
enemy commenced retreating, and by 4 p. m. was in full re- 
treat back to Corinth, and the battle of Shiloh was a victory 
for the Union arms. After the battle of Shiloh, the regiment 
began to show the results of their exposure to all kinds of 
weather, and the effect of their sudden transition from com- 
fortable homes to the unsanitary conditions of their food and 
camp life. Sickness and death began to invade the ranks of 
both officers and men, and by April 15, out of the 980 able- 
bodied men who left Zanesville, Ohio, February 11, just 2 
months before in the best of health, there could not be mustered 
sufficient men able for duty to form a camp guard, and they 
had to be discontinued for the present. The regiment with 
its brigade remained in camp at Shiloh, making an occasional 
reconnoissance until a general advance against Corinth was 
ordered. 

In the advance on Corinth the 78th, with its brigade, 
held the extreme right of the line, and took part in several light 
skirmishes. After the fall of Corinth, they were ordered to 
Bethel on the Mobile Ohio Railroad, which place they 
reached the evening of June 3, where they remained until the 
morning of June 7, when they, with part of the 30th Illinois 
Regiment, under command of Colonel Leggett, boarded the 
cars, went up the road to Jackson, Tenn., and took pos- 
session of the town, driving the enemy out. Soon the flag of 
the 78th Regiment was seen floating over the Courthouse, 
and some of the citizens remarked that it was the first American 
flag that had been unfurled in the city since the ordinance of 
secession was passed. 

During the greater part of the summer of 1862, the regi- 
ment was stationed in different parts of west Tennessee, being 
engaged in reconnoitering the country and breaking up Con- 
federate camps, but making their camp the greater part of the 
time at Bolivar, Tennessee. The garrison at Bolivar being 
reduced to the minimum, the Confederate General, Van Dorn, 
with a force of about 5,000 cavalry, decided to capture what 
was left. On August 30 he made the attack. The 78th and 
20th Ohio Regiments, one company of the i ith Illinois Cavalry, 
and one section of the 9th Indiana Battery, under command of 
Colonel Leggett, met and engaged them at Spring Creek. After 



i8o Ohio at Vicksburg 

a spirited engagement, with losses on both sides, the enemy, 
after fighting stubbornly for about 5 hours, fell back, and 
victory again perched on the banners of the Union arms. 
From this date the regiment, with its brigade, remained quietly 
at Bolivar until orders were issued the evening of September 
14, to be ready to move in the morning by way of Jackson, 
Tenn., and Corinth to reinforce Rosecrans who was advancing 
against the Confederate General, Price, at luka. Miss. Cor- 
inth was reached the evening of the 15th, and early the next 
morning the 78th, with its division, left Corinth for luka. At 
the same time General Rosecrans was advancing from 
another direction with the intention of cutting off General 
Price's retreat, and capturing him. But the wily Price, 
discovering Rosecrans' move, attacked his advance in force, 
driving him back, capturing a battery, and during the same 
night effected his escape by the Fulton Road. Early the 
next morning the regiment, with its division, advanced on 
luka, but the enemy had fled during the night, and the divi- 
sion entered the town without opposition. Resting only about 
an hour the division started on the return march for their old 
camp at Bolivar, Tenn., reaching there the evening of the 22d, 
hungry and tired, as the regiment, since leaving Bolivar, had 
not secured one good night's sleep, and had been on the 
march all the time. 

The 78th Regiment had now comparative rest, with the 
exception of a few reconnoitering trips until November 3, when 
orders came to move to La Grange, reaching there the next 
day, and with the exception of a few scouting trips, remained 
there until the morning of the 28th, when orders came to the 
regiment to turn over their Sibley tents, and draw the "pup 
tents" and be ready to march at a moment's notice. The 
evening of the 28th the start was made by the regiment as part 
of the army under General Grant, on the march down through 
northern Mississippi, with a view of capturing Grenada, and 
Jackson, Miss., thereby threatening Vicksburg, and com- 
pelling its evacuation, or fight to retain it. The army con- 
tinued the march until the advance had reached Water Valley, 
about 18 miles north from Grenada, when the Rebel General, 
Van Dorn, attacked Grant's secondary base of supplies at 
Holly Springs, and demanded its surrender, which demand 
was disgracefully acceded to by the commandant of the garri- 



78th Ohio Infantry 



i«i 



son, Colonel Robert C. Murphy, of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry. 
General Van Dorn, of course, destroyed all of Grant's supplies, 
thereby compelling his army to fall back to La Grange and 
Memphis. On this march the 78th Ohio, with its brigade, 
had reached Water Valley, the farthest point south of any 
infantry command on the expedition. After the surrender of 
Holly Springs, the regiment marched to Memphis, where the 
17th Corps was concentrating preparatory to making the second 
move against Vicksburg. 

On the march from Water Valley to Memphis, the regi- 
ment spent New Year's Day at Abbeville, Miss., and much 
to the regret of the boys of the regiment, New Year's dinner 
was only a dream. Instead of a sumptuous feast, they were 
in good luck if they secured a "nubbin of corn" to eat a la 
parched. The reason for the scarcity of rations was the 
fact that on the advance south, they destroyed all food and 
forage they could not use for 10 miles on either side of the 
line of march, to prevent the enemy subsisting on our rear. 
And when Grant's army had to retrace their steps over the same 
road, they found that they had destroyed food and forage 
quite to a finish on their way down the state. The regiment 
reached Memphis January 19, where they remained until 
February 20, when they, with their division and corps (3d 
Division, 17th Corps), entered on the second campaign under 
General Grant, looking to the capture of Vicksburg. Em- 
barking with the division and corps they moved down the 
Mississippi river to Lake Providence, La., where for the next 
6 weeks they were busily engaged in trying to open a passage- 
way for boats through the Bayous Macon and Baxter in to the 
Tensas, Washita and Red river, to the Mississippi river below 
the city. While at this point, the regiment formed part of a 
force that went to Eagle's Bend, and up Mud Bayou to rescue 
some Union gunboats and transports that were in danger of 
being captured. After six weeks hard work, and great ex- 
posure on the different bayou schemes General Grant had 
contemplated, and in fact tried for the purpose of effecting a 
landing for his army to the east of Vicksburg, he, on March 
27, abandoned all of them as not being practical, and decided 
on the third and final campaign against Vicksburg. Pre- 
paratory to that move, he began concentrating his army at 
Milliken's Bend, where, on April 16, the 78th Regiment, with 
its division and corps, moved to from Lake Providence. 



iSz Ohio at Vicksburg 

Soon after reaching the Bend, volunteers were called for 
from Logan's Division, 17th Corps, to man the boats that were 
to run the blockade of 14 miles past the river batteries that 
were defending Vicksburg. Over 100 officers and men 
volunteered from the 78th Regiment for the dangerous work, 
but so many having volunteered, the selection of men was 
confined to those who had experience in river navigation. 
The regiment furnished 9 of the volunteers. 

Early the morning of April 26, the regiment, with its 
division and corps, started from Milliken's Bend down the 
west bank of the Mississippi river to DeShroon's landing 
below Grand Gulf, reaching there the evening of April 29, 
and as soon as transports could be provided, crossed the 
river to Bruinsburg, Miss., reaching that place about noon 
of April 30. As soon as ammunition and rations could be 
distributed, the division started inland for Port Gibson, 
following closely the 13th Corps, who had the advance. All 
went well, until reaching Thompson's Hill, when the ad- 
vance of the 13th Corps, General McClernand commanding, 
was checked by a strong line of the enemy's skirmishers, 
when they halted for the night. By break of day the next 
morning, the battle opened with McClernand's advance, 
and 2 brigades of Logan's Division, 17th Corps. After fight- 
ing all day, with both sides sustaining heavy casualties, 
the enemy, late in the evening, was forced to retire through 
Port Gibson, and across Bayou Pierre. The night of May i, 
the regiment slept on their arms, and early the morning of 
May 2, they, as part of their brigade, advanced crossing 
Bayou Pierre, and on to the north fork of the bayou, where they 
bivouacked for the night. From this date the 78th Regiment 
followed the fortunes of Logan's Division, 17th Corps, during 
the campaign and siege. On May 3 the regiment, with its 
brigade, had reached Hankinson's ferry on the Big Black 
River, where on the morning of the 4th they were subjected to an 
artillery fire from the enemy, which was soon silenced by the 
batteries of the division. At this point Colonel Z. M. Chandler, 
by reason of impaired health, resigned his commission, and Ma- 
jor John T. Rainey assumed command of the regiment. The 
division remained at Hankinson's ferry until the morning of 
the 7th, when they marched to Rocky Spring, and on the 9th 
to Utica crossroads, on the loth to Utica, on the nth 5 miles 



78th Ohio Infantry 183 

east of Utica, and on the 12th the regiment with its division, 
Logan commanding, encountered the enemy about 2 miles 
west of Raymond under command of the Confederate General, 
Gregg, 5,000 strong, well posted across the road. Logan 
immediately deployed his division in line with the 78th regi- 
ment and its brigade across the road, with the ist and 3d 
Brigades of the division making a similar formation to the 
right and the battle opened. For the next 4 hours the fighting 
was fierce on both sides, and both sides sustained heavy losses. 
At last the enemy gave way, and the regiment and division 
advanced, camping that night at Raymond. Next morning, 
May 13, they continued their advance marching to Clinton, 
on the railroad between Jackson and Vicksburg, and the 
morning of the 14th advanced to Jackson, Miss., the capital 
of the State. Crocker's Division, 17th Corps, having the ad- 
vance, came upon the enemy near Jackson, when they formed 
line with Logan's Division in support, and soon the battle 
opened. After a few hours' hard fighting the enemy gave 
way, retreating across Pearl river, and Jackson was in our 
possession. Quick movements were the order of the day. 
Hence early the morning of the 15th, the 17th Corps about- 
faced, and marched back in the direction of Vicksburg, en- 
camping that night at Bolton, in the rear of Hovey's Division, 
13th Corps. Captain G. F. Wiles this morning (May 16), 
having received his commission as lieutenant-colonel of 
the 78th Regiment assumed command immediately, and 
Major Rainey reported to General Leggett as brigade 
staff ofl^cer. Early the morning of the i6th Hovey 
advanced; with Logan a close second, until about 9 a. 
m., General Hovey's advance encountered the enemy's 
pickets well posted on Champion's Hill. He immediately 
formed his division in line of battle, and Logan's Division 
hurried forward. The 78th regiment on the left of its brigade 
formed on the immediate right of Hovey's line. About 10:30 
the battle opened with Hovey advancing and Logan making 
a simultaneous advance, and the hardest fought battle of the 
campaign or siege was on in earnest. After repeated charges 
and countercharges with a terrific slaughter of men on both 
sides, the enemy was finally compelled to give w^ay, falling 
back to the Big Black river bridge. The battle lasted from 
about 10:30 until 4 p. m. In this engagement the casualties 



184 Ohio at Vicksburg 

of the 78th Regiment, as officially reported, were 60, but this 
should have been a greater number, as many were not reported. 
Logan's Division immediately pursued the retreating enemy 
until darkness came on, when they bivouacked on their arms 
until morning. The morning of the 17th they advanced to 
near Black river, and there waited until pontoons could be laid 
across the river, which were completed about noon of the i8th, 
when the regiment, as part of Logan's Division, crossed and 
advanced to the Confederate defenses around the city of Vicks- 
burg. In the assaults of May 19 and May 22, the 78th Regi- 
ment participated, supporting the line of the 1st Brigade, 
reaching a point toward the enemy's lines about half way 
between the historical White House on the Jackson road, and 
the 3d Louisiana redan. May 26, the brigade was detached as 
part of an expeditionary force under command of General F. 
P. Blair, and marched northeast 26 miles to Mechanicsburg 
for the purpose of dispersing a force of Rebels that had crossed 
the river, and was a*menace to Grant's rear. The object of the 
march was successfully accomplished, and they returned to 
the investment line June 4, where they took their position in 
the siege. The position occupied by the regiment and its 
brigade from June 4 until June 26, was under the crest of the 
ridge directly south of, and nearly on a line with, the White 
House, with the right of the brigade resting on the Jackson 
road, and in front of Battery McPherson's siege guns. They 
maintained that position, and daily furnished details to work 
on the sap leading up to and under the 3d Louisiana redan, 
until June 26, when the brigade was detached from Logan's 
Division and marched out to Big Black river as reinforce- 
ments to the exterior line that were holding the Confederate 
General, Joseph E. Johnston, in check, and preventing him 
from crossing Big Black river and attacking Grant's forces 
in the rear, for the purpose of assisting General Pemberton 
to escape from his unenviable position within the defenses 
of Vicksburg. The regiment remained on Big Black river 
until after the surrender, July 4, when they took up their 
line of march with their division against Johnston, crossing 
Big Black river and advancing toward Jackson as far as 
Clinton. At this point the regiment was detached from the 
brigade for the purpose of guarding the supply train left at 
this place. While performing this duty at Clinton, before 



78th Ohio Infantry 185 

daylight the morning of July 16, 1863, the long roll sounded 
and the regiment in five minutes was in line ready to repel 
any attack that might be made on them. Being without any 
support, the enemy had discovered that fact, and a force of 
Rebel cavalry undertook to destroy the supplies and capture 
the regiment. Companies were detached by order of Colonel 
Wiles, and stationed on the different roads leading into the 
town. Soon the advance guard of the enemy appeared on one 
of the roads, which was promptly captured by the outpost 
of Company F, of the regiment. The prisoners reported a 
force of about 3,000 cavalry deployed around the town, under 
command of General Wirt Adams. Skirmishing continued for 
some time, when the advance column of a brigade appeared 
coming back from Jackson, and as soon as they were dis- 
covered by the enemy, they quickly withdrew and the skirmish 
was over. After laying at Clinton for several days, orders were 
issued for the regiment to march back to Vicksburg, reaching 
there on the 23d, and camped on Granny's Knob, just above 
the city cemetery. 

Quiet, rest, and recuperation from the strenuous hard- 
ships of the last 6 months were now the order of the day, with 
the exception of two hours drill, either company or battalion, 
as exercise, until August 21, when orders came to be ready 
to march. The regiment as part of Logan's (now Leggett's) 
Division embarked on the steamer Ohio Bell, and ran up the 
river to Goodrich Landing, where they disembarked, and 
started on one of the most tiresome marches they ever endured. 
The march was from the Mississippi river to Monroe, La., a 
distance of 83 miles, and for what purpose the march was made 
is not known to any person making it, unless it was known to 
a few "cotton speculators," who wanted to get the cotton and 
were afraid to go after it themselves, hence they secured 
an order for a division to guard them while they confiscated 
the cotton. This march was made through swamps filled 
with all kinds of reptiles, even to rattlesnakes, which some of 
the boys killed before spreading their blankets down for the 
night. The roads were cut through jungles about 8 feet wide, 
and the sun at noonday beaming down with a temperature of 
100 degrees in the shade, made life not worth living. Such 
were the conditions of that useless march. But finally the 
division reached Monroe, and immediately turned around and 



i86 Ohio at Vicksburg 

marched back, reaching their old camp at Vicksburg the even- 
ing of September i, more dead than alive, but the speculators 
brought back lots of "cotton." 

During the remaining three months of 1863, the regiment 
had its camp at Vicksburg, but frequently marched out on a 
reconnoissance in the direction of either Bogue-Chitto Creek, 
Brownsville, Goose Pond, or Clinton, with an occasional 
skirmish to relieve the monotony of the march. 

On January 5 the regiment, having completed its veteran 
organization, was mustered into the service of the United 
States for 3 years or during the war. Those of the regiment 
who had reenlisted as veterans fully expected to immediately 
go home to Ohio on 30 days' veteran furlough. But they were 
again doomed to disappointment, as about the time they 
expected their furlough, General Sherman came down from 
Memphis with part of the i6th Corps, issued orders to the 17th 
Corps to join them on an expedition across the State of Mis- 
sissippi to Meridian, making a march for the round trip of a 
little over 300 miles. The veterans of the regiment indulged 
in the usual amount of kicking and growling, but in the end 
they joined with the rest of the command and made the trip, 
starting from Vicksburg, February 3, 1864. The morning of 
February 5, when the regiment was crossing the bridge spanning 
Baker's Creek, the Rebel Cavalry opened artillery fire on them, 
killing 2 men. The regiment with its brigade formed line and 
advanced, steadily driving them from hill to hill for 20 miles, 
and camped at Jackson that night. The rest of the march 
was made without any incident worthy of mention, reaching 
Meridian February 15, and the next morning started on their 
return march, reaching their old camp at Vicksburg March 
4. The march consumed 30 days, and very few of the men or 
officers had the pleasure of a change of linen in all these days, 
and their beds were Mother Earth. One can imagine their 
condition when reaching Vicksburg. The camp kettles were 
brought into use, and when not boiling the beans, were, for 
the next few days, constantly in use boiling the clothing of 
both officers and men, and the mortality among a certain named 
insect was frightful to contemplate. After another wait of 
several days the furloughs of the veterans came, and on March 
20 the veterans of the regiments were ordered on board a boat 
and started for Ohio, arriving at Columbus, Ohio, March 27, 



78th Ohio Infantry 187 

and at Zanesville April 5, where they were warmly received by 
the good citizens of that patriotic city. Each veteran then 
made haste to get home, glad that his life had been spared, 
and that he would once more look in the face of the dear ones 
they had left behind more than two years before. The thirty 
days' furlough soon passed, and the bugle call again sounded. 

On May 6, 1864, the veterans of the regiment again 
reassembled at Zanesville, where late that night they boarded 
the cars for Columbus, and at 6 p. m. the evening of May 7 
started again for the front by way of Cincinnati and Cairo, 
111. Before leaving Cairo the regiment exchanged their old 
Enfield rifles for new Springfields, then went on board a boat 
bound for Clifton, Tenn., where they remained until the morn- 
ing of the 1 6th, when they started on the long march of 328 
miles across Tennessee, northern Alabama, and into the heart 
of Georgia, reaching Acworth, Ga., June 8, and taking position 
on the left flank of Sherman's forces, then on the march against 
Atlanta. 

Plunging again into the realities of war, the regiment, on 
the loth, was ordered to advance to Big Shanty, where they 
encountered the enemy, and soon were engaged in a very 
hard skirmish. The regiment, having rejoined its old brigade, 
was given position on the left flank of the army, and continued 
to skirmish during the nth, 12th, 13th and 14th, and 
the morning of the 15th advanced and captured Brush 
Mountain. Here a very pleasant incident occurred. The 
regiment starting very early in the morning, were, by noon, 
the possessors of very ravenous appetites. Early that same 
morning the commissary wagon of the Confederates holding 
the mountain sent their wagon back to Marietta for a fresh 
supply of mule meat and corn bread. Before the wagon had 
time to return to their command on Brush Mountain, Leggett's 
Division had the mountain, and, soon after we got possession 
of it, the commissary wagon came leisurely driving up the 
mountain with his wagon loaded with provisions. On dis- 
covering his mistake he decided that discretion was the better 
part of valor, and turned over his wagon load of mule meat and 
corn bread to the quartermaster, who immediately issued it 
to the division. 

June 27 the regiment, with the division, made a strong 
demonstration against the right flank of the Rebels then hold- 



i88 Ohio at Vicksburg 

ing Kenesaw Mountain, for the purpose of weakening their 
left. After fighting all day at different places on the line the 
regiment returned to camp at nightfall. June 2 the order of 
march was given to the regiment and division, and with it an 
order not to speak above a whisper, to have our tin cups and 
frying pans so tied that they would not make any noise, and 
all batteries were ordered to be muffled. In that manner, 
when all were in readiness, the 78th, as part of the forces 
under orders to move, silently stole out in the darkness of the 
night, which was so dark that one could scarcely see his file 
leader. In that way they marched all night, only stopping 
long enough in the morning to make a cup ot coffee, when they 
resumed their march, swinging around the mountain with all 
of the 17th Corps to the extreme right of Sherman's line, 
which then was extended to the Chattahoochie river at the 
mouth of the Nickajack Creek. Here they remained until the 
15th, when they marched to Marietta, and on the 17th to 
Roswell ferry on the Chattahoochie river, where late that 
evening they crossed and advanced about four miles, when 
they halted for the night. The march was continued during 
the 18th and 19th, by which time they had reached Decatur, 
Ga., six miles out from Atlanta. On the 20th the regiment 
and division advanced some three miles in the direction of 
Atlanta, when they encountered the pickets of the enemy, 
and the division immediately formed line and lay on their 
arms all night Vv^ithout either coffee or fire. By daybreak the 
morning of the 21st the 78th with its division charged and 
captured Bald Knob, a position commanding the city of Atlanta. 
The enemy occupied the Knob in force behind strong earth- 
works. In carrying it the division suffered severely. This 
position being captured, shells were at once thrown into the 
city by the artillery of the division. This position was con- 
sidered so important by the Confederate General, Hood, that 
in his anxiety to retake it, the night of the 2ist, he threw the 
greater part of his army on the left flank and rear of the 17th 
Corps, and a frightful battle occurred on the next day (July 
22), costing the life of our brave and our beloved General, 
James B. McPherson. In this battle the 78th Ohio Regiment 
suffered severely. Its casualties that afternoon were 203 
officers and men. During the battle, about 4 p. m., the 
Rebels captured a battery on the flank of our brigade, turned 



78th Ohio Infantry 189 

the guns already loaded with grape and canister balls against 
the line of the brigade, and opened fire, completely enfilading 
the line of the brigade from right to left. Under a most galling 
fire the brigade reformed in a cornfield, with the right of the 
68th Ohio Regiment resting on Bald Knob (afterwards known 
as Leggett's Hill), and the 78th Regiment joining on the left 
of the 68th, and the 20th Ohio in reserve. While in this posi- 
tion the enemy, with fresh troops massed on our front, deter- 
mined to make one more desperate eff'ort to drive our brigade 
from the field and retake the Knob. The 68th and 78th, both 
being old veteran regiments, knew the great importance of 
holding the Knob, and determined to hold it at all hazards. 
As soon as the Rebels were formed en masse, they advanced 
with their old familiar yell, and were met half way by the 
68th and 78th Regiments. Immediately a hand-to-hand 
conflict was raging, in which the bayonet and club musket 
were freely used. In this assault and battle the 78th Regi- 
ment lost 13 color bearers and guards, but finally held, not 
only their ground, but Bald Knob, that Hood sacrificed nearly 
one-fourth of his army to retake. 

Quoting from General Leggett's official report on this 
battle he says: "The 2d Brigade consisting of the 20th, 68th, 
and 78th Ohio Regiments and the 30th Illinois Regiment, 
was then formed with its right resting on Bald Knob and its 
left upon the 4th Division, facing south. This change of front 
was made under a heavy fire of musketry and of grape and 
canister, and in the face of a rapidly advancing force of fresh 
troops, composed probably of the best fighting men on the 
enemy's line (Cheatam's Division). Our men were greatly 
fatigued with about five hours hard fighting, and were now 
obliged to meet the enemy in open field, without protection of 
any kind whatever. In this assault the troops showed their 
true soldierly qualities. They stood like rocks of adamant, and 
received repeated charges of the enemy without yielding an 
inch. The engagement in front of the 68th and 78th Ohio 
Regiments became finally a hand-to-hand fight, in which the 
sword, the bayonet, and even the fists were freely and effectually 
used, and the enemy finally repulsed with a slaughter I never 
before witnessed. This assault ended the conflict for the day. 
In this battle the division captured about 400 prisoners, and, 
from less than two-thirds of the ground fought over by the 



190 Ohio at Vicksburg 

division, buried and delivered to the enemy under flag of 
truce betv^een 900 and 1,000 dead Rebels. I am fully con- 
vinced that my division killed and wounded more Rebels 
than I had men engaged." 

The 78th remained in the same position held by them 
at the close of the battle until the night of the 26th, when, as a 
part of the 17th Corps, they quietly withdrew from the front 
of the enemy, and marched all night, and until the evening of 
the 27th, when they halted, formed line and the entire brigade 
advanced towards Ezra Chapel. Early next morning, July 
28, the battle of Ezra Chapel opened on the front of the 15th 
Corps, and gradually extended along the front of the 17th 
Corps, until late in the afternoon General Hood saw that he 
could not dislodge the Army of the Tennessee, slowly fell 
back and the battle of Ezra Chapel was another victory for 
General Sherman. 

The regiment remained practically on this line until August 
26, when the entire army under General Sherman was under 
orders to move. The 20th Corps was ordered to move back to 
Chattahoochie river and fortify, and the rest of Sherman's army 
was ordered to quietly withdraw from in front of Atlanta, and 
march to Jonesboro, reaching there on the 31st. The next 
day, September i, the entire force was engaged in the last 
fight of the campaign, with the usual results of a victory for 
General Sherman, and General Hood falling back to Love- 
joy Station. Early the morning of September 2 Leggett's 
Division followed the retreating Hood until they came up to 
him at Lovejoy, where, after some skirmishing, the division 
formed line and fortified, remaining in that position until the 
morning of the 5th, when the Union forces withdrew and 
marched to Atlanta, which place General Hood had evacuated 
the night of the Jonesboro fight. The 78th, as part of Leggett's 
Division, reached Atlanta September 7, and went into camp 
to rest from the long and arduous campaign. From June 8 
until September 5 the regiment, with the exception of four 
days, were constantly within the sound of cannon and small 
arms of either the Union or Rebel armies. 

The rest for the regiment was of short duration, as General 
Hood, on October 4, attacked Sherman's line of communica- 
tion by boldly marching on his rear, and occupying Acworth, 



78th Ohio Infantry 191 

Ga. Immediately the army was in motion, and advanced 
against him, but General Hood did not intend to risk a battle 
just then, and managed to keep out of General Sherman's 
road. General Sherman followed him north along the line 
of railroad, until October 20, when the 17th Corps reached 
Gaylesville, Ala., where he turned General Hood over to the 
tender mercies of General ("Old Pap") Thomas, and Gen- 
eral Sherman, with the 14th, 15th, 17th and 20th Corps returned 
to Atlanta, and prepared to march to the sea. The army 
under General Sherman again reached Atlanta, November 
13, and the morning of the 15th the four corps (after destroying 
all public property in Atlanta) started on the march to the sea. 
The 78th Regiment followed the fortunes of its division (Leg- 
gett's) during the six weeks' march, and arrived in front of the 
intrenchments at Savannah, Ga., the evening of December 
10. After sieging the place for a few days, the night of Decem- 
ber 20, General Hardee commanding the forces defending 
Savannah, quietly evacuated the city, and the morning of the 
2 1st General Sherman's forces occupied the town. 

The march to the sea was made on five days' government 
rations. The rest was obtained by means of foragers, com-- 
monly known as "Sherman's Bummers." During the ten 
days' sieging Savannah the 78th Regiment lived principally 
on rice in the sheaf. In front of the line there were large 
stacks of rice in the sheaf, and after dark the boys would steal 
out to the ricks, get their sheaves of rice, and the next morn- 
ing would thrash it out in a hollowed piece of wood, blow out 
the chaff, and boil it w^ithout salt, and make a meal of it. That 
was the main diet of the army while they were besieging the 
city. The 78th remained at Savannah until the evening of 
January 4, 1865,' when they were ordered to Port Royal Island 
(Beaufort), where they remained until the 13th. While at 
Beaufort, the term of service of those of the regiment not 
reenlisting having expired, they were discharged, and re- 
turned to their homes. Extracts taken from the farewell 
address of General Leggett (their first colonel) to the non- 
veterans show that the 78th Ohio Regiment, during their first 
three years' service, had traveled on foot 3,289 miles, by water 
2,214 miles, and by rail 1,699 miles, making the whole distance 
traveled by the regiment in their three years' service 7,202 



192 Ohio at Vicksburg 

miles. Their casualties during the three years' service were 
81 killed in action, 207 wounded in action, 589 discharged for 
disability, and 27 missing. 

The morning of January 13 the regiment marched to 
the north shore of the island, where they remained until night- 
fall, when Companies F and D were loaded in skiflFs, crossed 
the Coosa river, and routed the enemy on the north side, 
after which the remaining companies of the regiment crossed 
over, and bivouacked for the night. Early the next morning 
they were on the road to Pocotaligo, S. C, which point they 
reached after some skirmishing on the 15th, where they re- 
mained until the morning of February i, when they as part of 
General Sherman's forces took up the line of march to invade 
South Carolina and North Carolina. During the march 
through South Carolina the forces met with but little opposi- 
tion, marching perhaps 13 or 14 miles per day, and hnally 
reached Columbia, S. C, the afternoon of February 16, and 
the next afternoon crossed the Congaree river and camped 
within two miles of the city. 

The remembrance of the conflagration in that city the 
night of February 17, 1865, can never be erased from the 
memories of those who witnessed it, be they friend or foe. 
Much has been written as to the cause of the commencement 
of the fire that night, and who was responsible for it. The 
writer of this record, who was present at the time, desires to 
state facts just as he remembers them, and feels confident that 
the soldiers of General Leggett's Division, 17th Corps, will 
fully endorse them. During the forenoon of the 17th the regi- 
ment with its division lay on the banks of the Congaree river 
opposite the city, and during the forenoon there was practi- 
cally no air stirring. About 1.30 p. m. the bugle sounded 
attention, and the division formed, and soon started to cross 
the pontoons to the city. Within half an hour the wind 
began blowing a strong gale, and within an hour had almost 
become a hurricane, which continued until about 2 a. m. General 
Wade Hampton, commanding the Confederate army, prior 
to evacuating the city, set on fire a large quantity of cotton 
bales near the depot, which was located on the edge of the 
city. Soon the flying flecks of cotton could be seen all ablaze 
falling on the roofs of the buildings near by, and the con- 
flagration was commenced, and continued until after midnight. 



7^TH Ohio Infantry 193 

when the city was almost in ashes. About the same time 
the fire ceased for want of fuel the wind fell, and there was a 
calm. The significance of that wind storm commencing with 
the fire, and as suddenly ceasing with the close of it, created 
an impression on my mind that has never been erased from 
my memory. In that city the first ordinance of secession was 
passed, and her day of retribution had surely overtaken her, 
"Truly there is a God in Israel." 

The next morning, February 18, the regiment again was 
on the march, destroying the railroad as they advanced, which 
work they did most effectually, by taking the rails from the 
ties, and then making a fire with the ties, laying the rails on 
the burning pile until red hot, then with telegraph wire fastened 
to either end of the rail draw them from the fire, and while hot, 
quickly twist them around a tree or telegraph pole. During 
the next four days the division tore up and destroyed 47 miles 
of road, and on the 22d passed through Winsboro, and 
continued the march north, until the night of March 3 found 
the regiment at Cheraw, N. C, on the Pedee river. At this 
place were found great quantities of jewelry and other valuables 
that had been sent from Charleston, S. C, in hopes of saving 
them from (as the citizens supposed) the wanton depredations 
of Sherman's Bummers. The valuables were mostly buried 
in a field. 

From here the regiment continued its march north, passing 
through Bennettsville, Floral College, Rockfish and Fayette- 
ville, crossing the Black Swamp the night of March 15. This 
night will long be remembered by the survivors of the 78th. 
The regiment was up all night crossing the swamp, and the 
rain coming down in torrents, while the pine forest was all 
ablaze, affording light to see where we were going, and heat 
to dry our "dress suits" that we were wearing. Shortly after 
daylight the regiment and brigade landed on solid ground on 
the north side of the swamp, and, after a cup of coffee, con- 
tinued the march north without any very serious opposition 
until March 20, when suddenly we could hear the boom of 
cannon far away to the left, and started on a forced march to 
the scene of conflict, which proved to be a battle royal between 
the Confederate General, Johnston, and the 14th Corps. 
General Johnston for a time had the best of the fight, over- 
powering the 14th Corps, and forcing them back, when the 



194 Ohio at Vicksburg 

advance of the 17th Corps began to arrive, and form line, 
which very soon turned the tide of battle in our favor. The 
78th Regiment with its brigade reached the field about 3:30 
p. m. and immediately formed line advancing its skirmishers, 
and soon they became engaged. The fight lasted until dark- 
ness came on when firing ceased, and the next morning found 
General Johnston far on the road toward Raleigh, N. C, 
and the last battle of the rebellion was fought and won by 
General Sherman's invaders. 

The morning after the battle the regiment started for 
Goldsboro, reaching there March 24. While in camp here 
the news came that General Grant had entered Richmond, 
and that General Lee was on the retreat. The news of the 
capture of Richmond threw the camp into the wildest delight, 
as all recognized that the war would soon be over, and they 
be permitted once more to look in the face of their dear ones 
at home. At this point Lieutenant-Colonel G. D. Munson, 
having received his commission, assumed command of the 
regiment, and continued in command until its arrival at 
Washington. The regiment remained here until April 10, 
when they started with the corps in pursuit of General 
Johnston, overtaking him at Raleigh, N. C, on the 
14th. Early next morning the regiment as part of the 
corps started after Johnston's army, but had not marched 
more than two miles when the head of column was met by 
emissaries from General Johnston, asking a cessation of 
hostilities for the purpose of arranging terms of surrender. 
After several days of delay, in making satisfactory terms, 
they were finally completed to the satisfaction of both Generals 
Sherman and Johnston, and were signed by both generals on 
April 26, 1865, at Bennett's house near Durham Station, N. C. 

The regiment remained at Raleigh until the 29th, when 
they as part of Sherman's army started on the march by way 
of Petersburg, and Richmond, Va., for the Grand Review at 
W^ashington City, reaching the. latter place the afternoon of 
May 23, 1865, and camping on the bank of the Potomac 
near the Long Bridge opposite the city. The next 
day. May 24, the regiment participated with Sherman's 
army in the Grand Review along Pennsylvania avenue 
and the White House, marching out about four miles 
where they camped for the night. Here they remained 



78th Ohio Infantry 195 

until June 6, when they received orders to move to Louisville, 
Ky., which place they reached on June 11. They remained 
here until July 11, when the regiment was mustered out of the 
service of the United States, and ordered to report at Columbus, 
Ohio, at which place they arrived on July 15, and on the i6th 
day of July, 1865, was paid off, discharged, and immediately 
returned to their homes, once more as citizens of the great 
State of Ohio, conscious of duty well performed during 
their three and one-half years' service for their country. 

The regiment traveled on foot over 4,000 miles, 3,000 by 
railroad and 2,600 by water. Making a grand total of 9,600 
miles it traveled in various ways from its muster in until its 
muster out. They seen service in every state that was in rebel- 
lion except Texas and Florida. 

The 78th Regiment never was defeated in battle, never 
turned its back to the enemy, was always ready to obey orders 
and perform any duties called for. In fact the entire record 
of its service was one that any soldier might be proud of. 

Record of the 78th Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer 
Infantry from its muster in January 11, 1862, until its muster 
out July II, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., and final discharge at 
Todd Barracks, Columbus, Ohio, July 16, 1865, by reason of 
close of war: 

Total number of enlistments in regiment 1748 

Total number of first enlistment 980 

Total number of new recruits in regiment. . 768 1748 

Number of veterans who served with the regiment during 

its entire term of service, and mustered out July 11, 

1865, by reason of close of war 222 

Number of new recruits mustered out July 11, 1865, by 

reason of close of war 266 

Number mustered out on expiration of term of service 

prior to close of war 278 

Casualties and losses in regiment from muster in until 
muster out are as follows : 

Killed in battle 81 

Wounded in action (not counted in losses) 227 

Missing in action 30 

Died of disease 234 

Discharged for disability 589 



196 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Transferred to Invalid Corps 31 

Deserted 17 

Total 1 748 

During its term of service, this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles and engagements: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 7, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (advance on and 

siege) April 30, May 30, 1862 

Jackson, Tenn June 7, 1862 

Bolivar, Tenn August 30, 1862 

Raymond, Miss May 12, 1863 

Jackson, Miss May 14, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (first assault) May 19, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (second assault).. .May 22, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 22 to July 4, 1863 

Clinton, Miss July 16, 1863 

Bear Creek, Miss February 5, 1864 

Big Shanty, Ga June 11, 1864 

Kenesaw^ Mountain, Ga June 27, 1864 

Nickajack Creek, Ga July 2-5, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (assault and capture 

of Bald Knob) July 21, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's first sortie) . . .July 22, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. i, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga August 31, Sept. i, 1864 

Lovejoy Station, Ga September 2-6, 1864 

March to the Sea Nov. 15, Dec. 10, 1864 

Savannah, Ga. (siege of) December 10-21, 1864 

Columbia, S. C February 17, 1865 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 78th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, 1863, sustained no 
casualties. In the battle of Raymond, May 12, killed i, wound- 
ed 10, total II. In the engagement at Jackson, May 14, 



8oTH Ohio Infantry 197 

sustained no casualties. In the battle of Champion's Hill, 
May 16, killed 8, wounded 52, total 60; Lieutenant James 
T. Caldwell mortally wounded. In the assault, May 19, 
sustained no casualties. In the assault. May 22, sustained no 
casualties, and during the siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 9, wounded 62, total 71." 



80th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

THE 80th Ohio was recruited principally in the counties 
of Tuscarawas, Coshocton and Carroll, and was organ- 
ized at Camp Meigs, near Canal Dover, in Tuscarawas County. 
It left Camp Meigs with 919 men, in February, 1862, and was 
taken by rail to Columbus, and thence by rail and river to 
Paducah, Ky. The regiment was not armed until it reached 
Paducah. 

On April 20, 1862, it left Paducah, and was taken up the 
Tennessee river on transports to Hamburg Landing, Here 
it was assigned to General Pope's command, and it operated 
with that army throughout the siege of Corinth. On the 9th 
of May the regiment was ordered to the support of a Missouri 
battery in front of Farmington, and in performing that duty 
was for the first time under fire. Thereafter during the siege 
it was frequently under fire in skirmishes and reconnoissances. 

On the evacuation of Corinth it pursued the enemy as 
far as Booneville, Miss., and then returned to Corinth. On 
June 22 the regiment made a forced march to Ripley, Miss., 
a distance of 46 miles, during which it suffered intensely from 
the dust and heat, and a number of the men died from the 
effects of sunstroke. 

On September 19 the regiment took part in the battle of 
luka, and lost 45 men killed and wounded. Lieutenant- 
Colonel M. H. Bartleson commanded the regiment in this 
battle, and was severely wounded in the thigh. His horse 
was killed under him at the same time. Adjutant James E. 
Philpot was also wounded. 

The 80th was now ordered to Jacinto for the purpose of 
watching the movements of the Rebels under General Price. 



198 Ohio at Vicksburg 

It remained there some days scouting and drilling; then moved 
to Corinth. It took a prominent part in the battle that en- 
sued and lost heavily. Major Richard Lanning, in command 
of the regiment, was killed, as also was ist Lieutenant John J. 
Robinson of Company C. Lieutenants Oliver C. Bowleson 
and George F. Robinson were both severely wounded. The 
total loss of the regiment in this battle was 80 officers and 
men killed and wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Bartleson, 
although yet suffering severely from his wound, hearing of 
Major Lanning's death, mounted his horse and commanded 
the regiment through the remainder of the battle. It joined 
in the pursuit of the Rebels, and made some very severe marches. 
Returning to Corinth it remained there but a few days, and 
then marched with Grant's army through central Mississippi. 
On this march the 80th, in company with General Sullivan's 
Brigade, took part in a reconnoissance from Davis' Mills to 
Cold Water. General Sullivan, in pressing forward, went 
into Holly Springs, Miss., surprised the Rebels, and took a 
number of prisoners. Holly Springs was beyond the point 
to which General Sullivan was ordered, and he was immediate- 
ly ordered back to Davis' Mills. In executing that order a 
forced march of 22 miles was made. For several miles on 
this march the Rebels in heavy force were in plain view, but 
for some cause they failed to attack. 

The march toward Vicksburg was resumed, but owing to 
the destruction by the Rebels of the National stores at Holly 
Springs the whole army abandoned the movement, and re- 
turned to Holly Springs. The 80th, with General Quinby's 
Division, was ordered as guard of a provision train to Memphis, 
Tenn., there to load with rations and return to the remainder 
of the army, then making its way toward Memphis, repairing 
the railroad as it marched. 

The regiment remained in camp at Forrest Hill, 18 miles 
east of Memphis, until about the middle of February. March- 
ing into Memphis, it went into camp in the suburbs of the 
city, preparatory to the Vicksburg expedition. While at 
Memphis Colonel Eckly resigned his commission and re- 
turned to Ohio. 

On March i, 1863, the regiment embarked on the steamer 
Ed. Walsh and was taken to Woodruff's Landing. From this 
point it was ordered back to Helena, and in a few days there- 



8oTH Ohio Infantry 199 

after it went with Quinby's Division on the Yazoo Pass expedi- 
tion. This was one of the wildest the regiment participated in 
during its whole service. 

Returning to Helena it almost immediately moved to 
Milliken's Bend. It there disembarked and marched around 
through Richmond, La., and crossed the Mississippi river at 
Bruinsburg, with Grant's forces, on the ist of May, 1863. 
The battle of Port Gibson was fought on that day, but the regi- 
ment did not get up in time to participate. It marched, how- 
ever, in line of battle, and skirmished with the enemy almost 
the whole way to Little Black river. 

On May 12 the regiment participated in the battle of 
Raymond, but did not lose any men. Two days later, at 
Jackson, the 80th with its brigade had a desperate fight, and 
in a charge made by the brigade lost about one-third of its 
number killed and wounded. Captain Wallace and Lieutenant 
Tidball were wounded. Just after the charge was ended. 
General McPherson, in command of the 17th Corps, rode up 
to the regiment, and lifting his hat, exclaimed, "God Almighty, 
bless the 80th Ohio." Its loss was 90 killed and wounded. 

At Champion's Hill, May 16, the 80th occupied the rear as 
train guard, and did not actively participate in the battle. 
The next morning it was detailed as guard to 1,500 Rebel 
prisoners, and ordered to take them to Memphis. This duty 
performed, it returned to Vicksburg and took part in the entire 
siege and capture of that Rebel stronghold. 

About a month after the capture of Vicksburg the regi- 
ment went to Helena to reenforce General Steele, who was 
moving on Little Rock. But before it reached General Steele 
information was received of the repulse at Chickamauga, and 
it was immediately ordered to Memphis, there to join General 
Sherman's forces in their march to Chattanooga, a distance of 
nearly 400 miles. It reached the bank of the Tennessee river, 
opposite the mouth of the Chickamauga Creek, and the regi- 
ment with other troops crossed in pontoon boats soon after 
midnight of the 22d of November. By daylight strong earth- 
works were thrown up to cover the men until the pontoon 
bridge was laid over the river. 

On the evening of the 23d the regiment with its division 
marched out and took the east end of Mission Ridge. That 
night the regiment was on the skirmish line for seven hours 



200 Ohio at Vicksburg 

without relief. Next day the regiment in entering the battle 
was compelled to pass around a point of rocks covered by three 
Rebel batteries, and .was exposed to a most terrific artillery 
fire. Singular to relate, not a man was hit. It entered the 
fight just east of the tunnel, was hotly engaged until near 
nightfall, and lost several commissioned officers and nearly 
100 men. Captain John Kinney was shot through the heart 
and killed. Lieutenant F. M. Ross was also killed. Lieu- 
tenant F. Robinson was wounded and captured. Lieutenant 
George Maw was captured. 

After the battle the regiment pursued the Rebels to Grays- 
ville, Ga., and then returned to its old camp near Chattanooga. 
From thence it went to Bridgeport. While here the regiment 
and division w^ere permanently transferred from the 17th to the 
15th Corps. 

January 6, 1864, found the regiment at Huntsville, Ala. 
Shortly after this it reenlisted for another term. After wintering 
near Huntsville the regiment started, on the ist of April, to 
enjoy its veteran furlough of thirty days at home, in Ohio. 

At the expiration of its furlough the 80th returned to 
Larkinsville, Ala., where it performed guard duty on the line 
of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. 

In June, 1864, the regiment went from Huntsville to 
Charleston, Ga., a long and tedious march. From Kingston 
it went to Alatoona, and remained 2 weeks, and was then 
ordered back to Resaca to relieve the loth Missouri. While 
at Resaca the Rebel General, Hood, made his dash to the rear 
of Sherman's army. On the I2th of October 28,000 Rebels 
appeared before Resaca, invested the place, and demanded 
its surrender. Colonel Weaver of the 17th Iowa, in command 
of Resaca, replied that "he was there to defend the post, 
and if the Rebel commander wanted it he might come and take 
it." They immediately opened on the garrison with artillery 
and musketry from the entire line. The National force num- 
bered barely 1,000 men, but by a ruse, in displaying numerous 
flags, and placing the entire force on the picket line, the Rebels 
were made to believe that it consisted of at least 10,000 men, 
and that it would cost too much loss of life to risk an assault. 
After annoying the little garrison for two days the enemy 
withdrew, and swept up the railroad toward Chattanooga, 
destroying the road as they marched. 



flfer"^ 







MAJ.PirEKMETHilH, 
iFi CORPS. 




8oTH Ohio Infantry 201 

From Resaca the 80th marched back to Atlanta, and 
joined General Sherman's "march to the sea." It went 
through to Savannah without meeting or performing any- 
thing of special interest. After the capture of Savannah the 
regiment was quartered near the city, and remained in camp 
until the 19th of January, 1865. It was then, with its division, 
ordered to Pocotaligo, and from that point made its way through 
to Goldsboro', participating on the way in a brisk skirmish 
with the enemy at Salkahatchie river. 

On March 19, at Cox's bridge, over the Neuse river, the 
regiment performed an important flank movement, under 
Colonel Morris, for the purpose of preventing the Rebels 
from burning the bridge. The movement was successful, the 
Rebels being compelled to withdraw and leave the way open to 
Goldsboro'. 

The 80th Ohio then marched to Bentonville, and reached 
that place in time to participate in the closing scenes of that 
battle. It then marched to Goldsboro', where, after being 
refitted, it went to Raleigh, N. C. On this march the 80th 
Ohio held the advance of the whole army the day it crossed 
the Neuse river. It was ordered to make a forced march 
to an important bridge over that river, and, if possible, prevent 
the Rebels from destroying it. In four hours' time it made 
17 miles, and accomplished its order to the letter. As it came 
in sight of the bridge several Rebel wagons were in the act of 
crossing it. When the regiment reached it one end was on 
fire, but it was easily extinguished. 

Raleigh was reached on the day it was first occupied by 
Federal troops. After the surrender of Johnston's Rebel army 
to General Sherman, the 80th Ohio marched, with the rest of the 
National forces, through Richmond to Washington City, 
and there participated in the Grand Review. A few days 
thereafter it was taken by rail and river to Louisville, Ky., and 
from thence to Little Rock, Ark., where, for some months, it 
performed guard and garrison duty. 

The last named duty closed its military career. It was 
mustered out of the service at Little Rock, August 15, 1865, 
arrived at Columbus, Ohio, in a few days thereafter, and was 
finally discharged August 25, 1865. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 
Corinth, Miss, (siege of) April 30 to May 30, 1862 



202 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Farmington, Miss May 9, 1862 

luka, Miss September 19, 20, 1862 

Corinth, Miss October 4, 1862 

Raymond, Miss May 12, 1863 

Jackson, Miss May 14, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Mission Ridge, Tenn November 25, 1863 

Salkahatchie, S. C February 3-9, 1865 

Bentonville, N. C March 19-21, 1865 

Sherman's March to the Sea. 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 80th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the engagement at Jackson, May 14, 1863, killed 4, 
wounded 47, total 51. In the battle of Champion's Hill, 
May 16, detailed as train guard, sustained no casualties. 
Detailed May 18 to guard prisoners to Memphis, Tenn.; 
rejoined its brigade June 4, and during the remainder of the 
siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 4, wounded 47, total 51." 



83d REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

THE 83d was recruited in the counties of Hamilton and 
Butler; seven companies being from the former, and three 
from the latter county. On the 3d of September, 1862, the 
seven companies from Hamilton County, then at Camp 
Dennison, were ordered into Kentucky to check Kirby Smith's 
advance on Cincinnati. On the night of the 3d the companies 
bivouacked in the streets of Covington. They were ordered 
at first to Fort Mitchell, but they moved from there to Camp 
King; and thence across Licking river to the support of Beech- 
wood Battery, on the Alexandria Turnpike. For several 
days the picket duty was severe, and then the companies were 
withdrawn to Camp Orchard, On the I2th of September 
these seven companies were joined by the three from Butler 



83D Ohio Infantry 203 

County, which had been organized at Camp Dennison; but as 
all the companies had the requisite number of men on the 22d 
of August, the regimental organization dated from that time. 
The 83d now numbered 1,010 men. 

On the 1 8th the regiment, forming part of an expedition 
under General Q. A. Gillmore, moved to Cynthiana; but 
encountering no organized force it returned to camp. The 
march was exceedingly fatiguing to raw troops, as the weather 
was warm, the roads were dusty, and w^ater was scarce. On 
the 25th the 83d moved to Camp Schaler and reported to Gen- 
eral Green Clay Smith. It arrived at Paris on the 15th of 
October, and at that point was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 
loth Division, Army of the Tennessee, General Burbridge 
commanding the brigade, and General A. J. Smith the division. 
On the 28th of October the division moved for Louisville, 
halting two weeks on the way at Nicholsville. Here Mr. 
L'Hommedieu, on behalf of the Hamilton and Dayton Railroad 
Company, presented the 83d with an elegantly embroidered 
banner. While in Kentucky the regiment was allowed two 
2-horse and one 4-horse ambulance, and twenty-six 6-mule 
wagons; and yet this amount of transportation was inade- 
quate to supply the wants of the regiment. Two years later 
three wagons to a regiment was deemed an extravagant allow- 
ance. 

Smith's Division sailed for Memphis on the 23d of No- 
vember, and on the 20th of December it again embarked and 
proceeded down the Mississippi, under General Sherman. 
Milliken's Bend was reached on Christmas Day, and Bur- 
bridge's Brigade was ordered to debark and move in light 
marching order to destroy the Vicksburg and Shreveport 
Railroad bridge over Tensas river, some 28 miles distant. 
That bridge, 200 feet long, and two others of less importance 
were destroyed, and a large amount of Confederate cotton was 
burned. The brigade returned at midnight on the 26th, 
greatly fatigued by thirty hours' continuous marching and labor. 
On the 27th the fleet moved down to the mouth of the Yazoo, 
and up that stream to Old river, where the troops debarked, 
and moved against the enemy at Chickasaw Bayou. Here 
the regiment obtained its first full view of the grim visage of 
war. In the engagement it did not lose heavily but the men were 
under fire for several days, and were compelled to eat their 
rations uncooked. 



204 Ohio at Vicksburg 

From Chickasaw Bayou the troops moved to Arkansas 
Post. On the morning of the nth of January dispositions 
were made for an attack on the enemy's position. 1 he regi- 
ment formed the left of the first line of Smith's Division, and 
when an advance was ordered moved forward on the double- 
quick. The right wing of the 83d suffered a temporary check 
from a force of Rebels sheltered by a cluster of cabins, but 
the companies rallied immediately, made a gallant charge, 
and drove the enemy to the fort. For more than two hours 
the regiment held its position under a murderous fire of musket- 
ry and artillery, advancing little by little, until within 80 yards 
of the fort, when, the guns commanding the glacis and ditch 
having been silenced, the 83d dashed forward through the broad 
muddy ditch, partly filled with water, and mounted the para- 
pet. It was the first regiment to plant the colors on the enemy's 
battlements. It was honorably mentioned in the official 
reports, and the Legislature of Ohio showed its appreciation 
of the regiment's bravery by a unanimous vote of thanks. 
The regimental colors were riddled completely, and more than 
one-fifth of the men were killed or wounded. 

After a few days spent in demolishing the fort, burying 
the dead, and caring for the wounded, the army moved down 
the river, and on the 23d of January, 1863, arrived at Young's 
Point. Here the regiment lost many men by disease. On 
the 14th of April the baggage was placed on barges and run 
past the batteries to Perkin's plantation, five miles below 
New Carthage, where the 83d arrived on the 25th, having 
moved by land to Smith's plantation, and thence by boat down 
Bayou Vidale and the Mississippi. The Mississippi was 
crossed at Bruinsburg, and at midnight on the 30th the troops 
commenced moving for the rear of Vicksburg. On the morn- 
ing of the 1st of May the enemy was encountered. He fell 
back slowly, contesting every foot of ground. Fighting lasted 
all day. Smith's Division marched on through Port Gibson, 
Willow Springs and Raymond. Following the railroad from 
Raymond the Rebel pickets were met and driven in on the 
i6th. The troops marched briskly forward, and about 10 
o'clock found the enemy strongly posted on a ridge. The 
17th Ohio Battery being short of men, 16 men from the 83d 
were sent to help work the guns. The battle raged fiercely 
for more than two hours, when the enemy was forced from 



83D Ohio Infantry 205 

his position. He fell back about a mile, and made a stand 
until night enabled him to retire. The march was continued 
by way of Edward's Station to Big Black bridge. The ap- 
proach to the bridge was defended by an extensive earthwork, 
mounting seventeen guns. Burbridge's Brigade advanced 
against the center of the work, across an open field, and the 83d 
was one of the first regiments to reach the works. Big Black 
was crossed on the next day, and on the 20th the regiment 
was confronting the Rebel works at Vicksburg. On the 22d 
an assault was made, the 83d forming a part of the line. The 
regiment lost about 8 percent of the number engaged. It 
assisted in the subsequent siege operations until the surrender 
of the city. 

On the 5th of July Smith's Division moved against Gen- 
eral Johnston's forces. The regiment participated in the opera- 
tions around Jackson, and upon the evacuation of that place 
followed the fleeing Rebels as far as Brandon, and then returned 
to Vicksburg. The weather was intensely warm, and but 
little water was to be found; and what was found was often 
unfit to drink, having been rendered nauseous by the putrid 
carcasses of animals. Adequate provision for supplying the 
officers with rations had not been made, and in addition to 
their other hardships many of them were forced to subsist 
entirely on green corn for several days. On the 24th of August 
the 83d moved to CarroUton, La. With the exception of an 
expedition to Donaldsonville the regiment remained in camp 
until the 3d of October, when it started on the Teche campaign. 
The troops moved up the Teche to New Iberia, and thence 
by way of Opelousas to Barre's Landing, on Bayou Corta- 
bleau. On the 1st of November the troops fell back through 
Grand Coteau, and Burbridge's Brigade went into camp near 
Carroncro Bayou. On the 3d a force of Rebels made a sudden 
attack on the brigade and the camp was thrown into some con- 
fusion. The 83d chanced to be out in charge of a forage train, 
and was thoroughly prepared to meet the enemy. It hastened 
back, and by its timely arrival the brigade was able to hold the 
enemy in check, and fall back in good order until reenforce- 
ments came up, when the Rebels were driven from the field. 
In this encounter the 83d lost 56 men, mostly captured. The 
troops fell back to New Iberia, and after remaining a month 
in camp moved to Berwick. From this point the regiment 



2o6 Ohio at Vicksburg 

was sent to Algiers in charge of a wagon train. It was ordered 
in haste to Fort Jackson to check a mutiny among colored 
troops, and after remaining four weeks it returned to New 
Orleans, and was ordered to Madisonville, where it was 
assigned to the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 13th Corps. The 
division left Madisonville on the 25th of February, 1864, and 
proceeded to Franklin. The 83d was here transferred to the 
1st Brigade, 4th Division, 13th Corps. 

On the 13th of March the 4th Division started on the 
Red river expedition. It moved by way of Natchitoches and 
Pleasant Hills. On the morning of the 8th of April the 83d 
was placed in charge of the ammunition train of 150 wagons, 
while the remainder of the brigade was ordered to report to 
General Lee, commanding the cavalry. At i o'clock p. m. 
the regiment was ordered to join the brigade as soon as possible. 
It marched ten miles in two hours, and went into position in a 
woods on the extreme right of the line of battle. At 3:30 p. m. 
the enemy commenced to advance. The 83d moved out of the 
woods, closed up on the skirmish line, and opened a deadly 
fire, which checked the enemy at 200 yards and threw the first 
line back upon the second. The enemy rallied, advanced 
again; was again checked, and this time was compelled to lie 
down in order to avoid the fire. The Rebel left extended a 
long distance to the right of the 83d, and being unopposed it 
swung round as if to envelope the right of the National line. 
As the 83d was changing front in order to oppose this advance 
on the flank, it received directions to move to the left for the 
purpose of reenforcing a portion of the line that was wavering. 
Although subjected to a severe crossfire the regiment moved off 
in perfect order; but upon reaching the point designated it 
was found that the line had fallen back. The regiment 
retired to the crest of a ridge where the other troops were re- 
forming, and a gallant stand was made. The position was 
held for half an hour, and then the line was forced back some 
200 yards. The men were supplied with ammunition, and the 
83d, with the 96th Ohio, was ordered to the right to ascertain 
if the enemy was attempting to cut off the retreat. These regi- 
ments came upon the enemy concealed in thick undergrowth, 
and being assailed on three sides were obliged to fall back. 
The troops fell back about two miles from the battlefield, and 
at dark the enemy was checked. The troops were withdrawn 



83D Ohio Infantry 207 

late in the evening, and at 10 o'clock they commenced the 
return march to Pleasant Hills. The regiment remained at 
Pleasant Hills in line of battle all the next day. Toward 
night the line fell back, and on the i ith the troops reached 
Grand Ecore. On the 21st the troops were again in motion, 
and on the 25th Alexandria was reached. 

On the 2d of May the 83d and a company of cavalry, 
with 50 wagons, started on a foraging expedition. After a 
march of nine miles and a brisk skirmish, the regiment occupied 
the buildings on Governor Morris' plantation; but finding a 
superior force of the enemy strongly posted it withdrew to a 
favorable position and awaited the attack. In a few minutes 
a force of cavalry and mounted infantry formed for a charge, 
and came dashing down in gallant style. Every man stood 
steady until the enemy was within 75 yards, when a well- 
aimed volley from the rear rank, followed by one from the front 
rank, and then by another from the rear rank, sent the Rebels 
back as rapidly as they had advanced. Quite a number of 
saddles were emptied, and several horses were killed. The 
wagons were loaded with corn, and the regiment returned to 
camp without further molestation. During its stay at Alex- 
andria the 83d furnished heavy details to work on the dam. 
On the 13th it moved from Alexandria, and marching by 
way of Yellow Bayou and Markesville, reached Fort Taylor, 
four miles from Simmsport. The Atchafalaya was bridged by 
lashing 23 steamboats side by side. The 83d crossed on the 
20th, and on the 22d arrived at Morganza, on the Mississippi. 

On the 28th of May it moved down to Baton Rouge, where 
it remained in camp until the 2ist of July, when it left for 
Algiers. From there the regiment moved to Morganza to 
reenforce that post against an expected attack. It arrived on 
the 28th and quietly went into camp. On the 1st of October 
the 83d, with other troops, marched from Morganza to seize 
Morgan's ferry, on the Atchafalaya. The position was 
occupied and held until the 9th, when the expedition returned 
to Morganza. On the i8th the regiment moved on another 
expedition to the Atchafalaya, at Simmsport. Here some 
prisoners were exchanged, and on the 29th the troops returned 
to Morganza. On the ist of November the 83d embarked 
and moved to the mouth of White river, where it remained 
until December 6, when it returned to Morganza. It was 



2o8 Ohio at Vicksburg 

ordered to Natchez for consolidation with the 48th Ohio. 
The 83d was consolidated into six companies, and the 48th 
into four companies. All the field officers of the 83d were 
retained. 

On the 28th of January, 1865, the 83d was ordered to 
Kennerville, and after a short stay it proceeded to New Orleans. 
It moved out to Lakeport on the cars, and embarked on an 
ocean steamer for Barrancas, where it arrived in three days 
and five hours from Natchez. The celerity of the movement 
was acknowledged in a complimentary order. The regiment 
was assigned to the 3d Brigade, 2d Division, 13th Army Corps. 
On the nth of March the division moved to Pensacola, and on 
the 20th started on the campaign against Mobile. After 
severe marching on short rations, over very bad roads, the 
division arrived in the vicinity of Fort Blakely on the 2d of 
April. Siege operations were pushed forward vigorously, 
the 83d rendering its full share of assistance. About 5 o'clock 
p. m. on the 9th of April the regiment was moved into the 
advance rifle-pit, and was deployed to cover the brigade front. 
The works about to be assaulted were 600 yards distant, and 
consisted of a series of forts connected by an elaborately 
constructed breastwork. The most formidable fort was in 
front of the regiment's center; and another well-built fort was 
on the left. These works were protected by two lines of abattis 
by rifle-pits, and a telegraph wire stretched as high as the knee; 
and in addition to all this the ground was thickly planted with 
torpedoes. At the word of command the men sprang forward 
on the run, and advanced under a heavy fire of artillery and 
musketry. When within fifty feet of the fort the center halted 
a moment to allow the wings, which had been delayed by 
obstacles, to close up, and then the whole line went over the 
works almost together. The gunners left some of their pieces 
partly loaded; some of the Rebels surrendered, and others fled. 
The fort and prisoners were placed under guard, and the regi- 
ment turned to the left, and after a spirited fight the other fort 
was captured and placed under guard. The 83d pursued the 
enemy, who fled to the landing. The brigade left the rifle-pit 
just as the regiment went over the enemy's works, but did 
not come up until the whole line of works had been placed 
under guard by the 83d. The regiment captured two forts, 
eight cannon, two mortars, a long line of breastworks, 800 



83D Ohio Infantry 209 

prisoners, two flags, and a large quantity of small arms, 
ammunition, and other stores. It lost 36 officers and men 
killed and wounded. The colors were well riddled, and the 
staffs, both of the regimental banner and the National color, 
were shot in two; but the color-bearers gallantly carried the 
tattered flags over the parapet of the fort. 

On the 20th the 83d left Blakely for Mobile. On the 
morning of the 21st it debarked, moved out beyond the city, 
and went into line of battle; but in the evening it returned 
to the landing, embarked, and anchored in the channel. On 
the next day it proceeded up the river to Selma, where it per- 
formed provost duty until the I2th of May, when it returned to 
Mobile, where it remained until the 13th of June, and then 
embarked for Galveston. The regiment performed guard 
duty in the city of Galveston until the 26th of July, when it 
embarked for New Orleans. On the 29th it started up the 
river. It arrived at Cairo on the 3d of August, embarked on 
the cars, and reached Cincinnati on the 5th. It proceeded to 
Camp Dennison, where it was paid and discharged on the loth 
of August, 1865. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 

Arkansas Post (Ft. Hindman), Ark .January 11, 1863 

Port Gibson, Miss May i, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Big Black river. Miss May 17, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (second assault). . .May 22, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Grand Coteau, La November 3, 1863 

Sabine Cross Roads, La April 8, 1864 

Cane river. La April 23, 1864 

Governor Moore's plantation. La. . May 2, 1864 
Fort Blakeley, Ala April 2-9, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 83d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 



210 Ohio at Vicksburg 



CASUALTIES. 



"In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, 1863, wounded 3. 
*In the battle of Champion's Hill, May 16, wounded 3. In 
the engagement at Big Black river bridge. May 17, sustained 
no casualties. In the assault, May 19, killed i, wounded 7, 
total 8. In the assault. May 22, killed 4, wounded 19, total 23; 
and during the siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 5, wounded 32, total 37." 



95th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 
Record by Capt. H. Warren Phelps. 

THE 95th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized 
in July, 1862, under the call by President Abraham 
Lincoln for 300,000 men for three years' service, in June, 1862. 
The regiment was mustered into the United States service at 
Camp Chase, Ohio, by Captain A. B. Dod, 15th United States 
Infantry, and Captain C. O. Howard, i8th United States 
Infantry, on August 18 and 19, 1862. Companies A, C, D, 
H and I were composed of men from Franklin County, Compa- 
nies B and K from Madison County, E and G from Cham- 
paign County, and Company F from southwestern Licking 
County. William Linn McMillen, a prominent physician and 
surgeon of Columbus, Ohio, was commissioned colonel. He 
was with the Russian army in the Crimean War in the study of 
surgery; was surgeon in the ist Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 
first-call three-months' men in 1861; was surgeon-general of 
Ohio 1 861-2. He was a native of Hillsboro, Ohio. James 
B. Armstrong, a banker of Urbana, Champaign County, 
was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Jefferson Brumback, a 
lawyer of Newark, Licking County, was commissioned major. 
Arms and accoutrements were issued to the -regiment on the 
afternoon of the 20th, and on that evening was held the first 
regimental dress parade with arms. Governor David Tod 
reviewed the regiment and passed the usual compliment in a 
patriotic address. The wife of Ex-Governor William Dennison, 
of Ohio, presented, on behalf of the lady friends of the regi- 
ment, a fine flag, which was received by the colonel. The 



95TH Ohio Infantry 211 

adjutant, Alf. G. Tuther, then read an official order from the 
Governor that the regiment should march at sunrise the next 
morning and proceed by railway to Lexington, Ky. At sun- 
rise of the morning of the 21st the regiment marched from 
their camp and proceeded to the Little Miami Railroad, about 
one mile away, and there boarded cars. The men were very 
heavily laden with extra clothing in knapsacks, which one year 
afterwards were dispensed with. There were many friends 
and relatives present at that early hour to say goodbye. 

As the train passed along carrying this regiment of buoyant 
men and boys, some of whom were to die so soon on a battle- 
field, many loyal citizens along the line cheered them on with 
flags and speech at the towns and stations. The regiment 
was well received at Cincinnati and given a fine dinner, as 
were other regiments which stopped there. Crossing the Ohio 
river on ferryboats to Covington, Ky., the command, at dark, 
boarded box freight cars without seats and proceeded to Lexing- 
ton, Ky., arriving there about i o'clock p. m., reporting to 
Brigadier-General Lewis Wallace, who met the command at 
the depot. He was in command of the post, and assigned the 
regiment to fine camp grounds on the Clay farm, near the 
city. Large Sibley tents were issued, together with rations, 
details of guards made, and tenting in the field began. 

Major-General William Nelson commanded the Army of 
Kentucky, with headquarters at Lexington. At 10 o'clock 
p. m. orders were received to be ready to March at sunrise next 
morning to Richmond, Ky., 25 miles southeast. General E. 
Kirby Smith, with a force of 10,000 men of the Confederate 
army, had come from Tennessee, via the Cumberland Gap, 
and was advancing upon Richmond. At sunrise of the 
morning of the 23d the regiment was in line, leaving i officer 
and 60 men to guard the camp, all knapsacks being left. 
The march was on a limestone pike, the weather had been 
dry, there was much dust, the sun shone out hot. At 5 o'clock 
p. m. the Kentucky river, 15 miles away, was reached, and 
every man was tired. Couriers arrived from Richmond 
urging haste, as the enemy was reported to be near. A hasty 
march was made for a few miles, then the tired officers and 
men fell down to rest; thus the march was kept up until 2 
o'clock a. m., when not more than 20 men to the company 
arrived in Richmond, with very few company officers. Pickets 



212 Ohio at Vicksburg 

were thrown out, and the other tired men lay down upon the 
pavements to sleep. The next day the tired out men came 
in; the wagons and ambulances brought in the discarded 
blouses and blankets. 

The 1 2th and 66th Indiana Infantry, i8th Kentucky, 
and one battalion of the 3d Tennessee Infantry, and the 95th 
Ohio, with Andrew's Battery, ist Michigan Light Artillery, 
constituted the 2d Brigade, commanded by Colonel William 
H. Link, of the 12th Indiana. During the week Brigadier- 
General Charles Cruft took command of the brigade. Briga- 
dier-General Mahlon D. Manson had command of another 
brigade, the ist, about 7 miles in our front. On Saturday, 
August 30, at about 7:30 a. m., the booming of cannon was 
heard at the front. Soon orders came for our brigade to march 
to the support of General Manson's Brigade. We arrived on 
the battlefield at 9 o'clock, just as Manson's Brigade was being 
driven back. As our brigade, after resting for five minutes, 
advanced into line the enemy gave us a tremendous volley 
from artillery and musketry, then rushed with infantry, charg- 
ing our line. The orders to retreat by right flank were given. 
The command moved to the right of the road; while making 
this movement the enemy pressed forward, and of the four 
companies of the left of the regiment, E, K, G and B, many 
were taken prisoners, together with the lieutenant-colonel. 
John Huffman and John Hill, of Company D; William Murphy, 
August Riddle and Edwin Parker, of Company H; A. W^ 
Stonestreet, Henry Barker and Nicholas Barnett, of Company 
A; William Link and James Seeman, of Company B; Samuel 
Eli and Joseph S. Simms, of Company C; Perry Bounds and 
David Dodson, of Company F; Daniel W. Smith and John 
Schmidt, of Company G; Warner Z. Lubas and Elphus 
Tarpening, of Company K, were killed during the first stand. 
Several officers and men were wounded. 

The retreat was continued for about two miles, when a 
determined stand was made for an hour. The enemy pressed 
on through a field of corn, losing many men in killed and 
wounded; as the writer of this has, since the close of the war, 
been informed by men who were there in the Confederate 
army. About 3 o'clock p. m. Major-General William Nelson, 
with his staff officers, met the retreating army about two miles 
from Richmond. He formed the lines and for an hour des- 



g5TH Ohio Infantry 213 

perate fighting was done, then another retreat. General 
Nelson had ordered Brigadier-General Manson not to bring on 
an engagement with the enemy, but to fall back to where the 
2d Brigade was located at Richmond, then all to retreat to 
the Kentucky river, where reenforcements could be sent from 
Lexington. He had ridden from Lancaster niore than 25 
miles after hearing the reports of the artillery firing. 

Another stand was made near Richmond, where the battle 
was continued until dark; many being killed and wounded. 
We had seen the enemy's cavalry passing to our left m the 
distance before 12 o'clock noon. We were very confident m 
belief that our retreat was cut off. At the last stand the fightmg 
was furious and desperate, but the enemy, who had been m the 
service for a year or more, pressed on and drove our forces 
back, and surrender of our forces became a necessity. Gen- 
eral Nelson was wounded, but rode away with his staff after 
dark and escaped to Lexington, as did many others during the 
night. The loss in killed and wounded was mostly during the 
first and last engagements. Killed and mortally wounded 
32 enlisted men; wounded officers 6, enlisted men 86, total 92. 
Taken prisoners and paroled, commissioned officers 33, en- 
listed men 639; this includes the wounded; 9 men left m Ohio. 
Lieutenant-Colonel J. B. Armstrong, owning a valuable 
horse, had persuaded General E. Kirby Smith, commanding 
the Confederate army, to let him retain the horse, but after 
being paroled, another officer was in command, who ordered 
the colonel to give up the horse. Colonel Armstrong put spurs 
to the horse and galloped away, reaching Ohio in safety. 
The paroled officers and men returned to Camp Chase, Ohio, 
walking to Cincinnati; those who escaped returned to 
Lexington, where, with those left there, they joined with 
other commands of the army and marched to Louisville, Ky. 
(There were 4 commissioned officers and 233 enlisted men,) 
They were ordered to Madison and Columbus, Ind., where 
they guarded railroad bridges until in December following, 
when they returned to Camp Chase. One commissioned 
officer, two noncommissioned officers and 20 men, who escaped 
during the night, made their way through deep ravines to the 
Kentucky river, and to Cincinnati, where they remained during 
the siege. They were then ordered to Camp Chase, Ohio; 
the writer was one of the party. 



214 Ohio at Vicksburg 

During the first week of December, 1862, the regiment 
was again united; the paroled officers and men having been 
encamped at Camp Lewis Wallace, four miles north of Colum- 
bus, Ohio. Lieutenant-Colonel Armstrong, claiming he had 
not been regularly mustered into the United States service, 
retired; and Major Jefferson Brumback was commissioned 
lieutenant-colonel. Captain Joseph M. Stuart, of Company 
A, was commissioned major. Twelve commissioned officers 
for various reasons resigned their commissions; 12 noncom- 
missioned officers and private soldiers, who were known to be 
well qualified, were commissioned in their stead. 

On January 12, 1863, Special Order No. 24, Headquarters 
Department of Ohio, Cincinnati, was issued, which read as 
follows: "Colonel William L. McMillen will proceed without 
delay with his regiment, the 95th Ohio Infantry Volunteers, 
now at Camp Chase, Ohio, to Memphis, Tenn., and report 
to Major-General U. S. Grant, commanding the Department 
of Tennessee. By order of Major General H. G. Wright. 
C. W. Foster, A. A. G." There had been many changes — 
141 men had been discharged for wounds received in battle 
and on account of disabilities, while two men from each 
company, under orders from the War Department,were allowed 
to enlist by transfer into regiments in the United States Regular 
service; 5 men had been thus transferred, 2 to Company E, 
I to Company K, ist United States Cavalry, i in General 
Mounted United States Service, and i in Regular United 
States Cavalry. 11 commissioned officers had resigned; 23 
men had died; 8 men were never mustered into United States 
service; total loss, officers 11, enlisted men 207, including 32 
men killed, and 12 commissioned. Then adding 11 recruits, 
totals 39 commissioned officers and 769 noncommissioned 
officers and men, were on the rolls of the regiment on January 
18, 1863, as there was on August 21, 1862, 39 commissioned 
officers, and 976 noncommissioned officers and men carried 
upon the rolls of the regiment. 

On Sunday, January 18, the regiment again marched from 
Camp Chase to the Columbus Station and boarded cars for 
Cincinnati, and there went on board the steamboat Jacob 
Strader, and arriving at Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, the 
24th, disembarked and went into Fort Pickering on the 25th, 
two miles below the city, and encamped in tents. Rain fell 



95TH Ohio Infantry 215 

every day for ten days. An epidemic of measles and mumps 
broke out, and during the week following took more than 100 
officers and men to the hospitals; of these 19 enlisted men died 
and 31 were discharged. The regiment remained in Fort 
Pickering on duty as a part of the command of Brigadier- 
General James C. Veatch. About March i the regiment was 
moved out into a fine grove of timber, which was called Camp 
Tod. 

On Sunday, March 15, the regiment embarked on a 
steamboat and went with the fleet to join the army, then be- 
ginning the advance upon the stronghold of Vicksburg, Miss. 
They were then in Brigadier-General John E. Smith's 8th 
Division, Army of the Tennessee. (See Vol. 24, Series i. Part 
3, page 130, War of the Rebellion Records.) Disembarked at 
Helena for a few days, then moved by steamboats to Young's 
Point, La. On March 22 Major-General U. S. Grant ordered 
General John E. Smith to proceed with his command to Lake 
Providence, La., and report to Major-General James B. 
McPherson, commanding the 17th Army Corps. (See Special 
Orders No. 81, Part 3, Series i, page 130, Vol. 24, War of 
Rebellion Records.) 

The following order was issued: 

"Lake Providence, La., March 23, 1863. 
"Brigadier-General John E. Smith, 

"Commanding 8th Division: 
"General: 
" Inclosed please find copy of order from Major-General 
Grant, assigning your division to the 17th Army Corps. You 
will embark your command as soon as possible and report 
here for orders. I have no steamboats at my disposal now to 
send for your command, so you may experience a little delay 
in getting boats. 

Very respectfully, 

James B. McPherson." 

"Lake Providence, La., March 31, 1863. 
"Brigadier-General John E. Smith, 

"Commanding 8th Division: 
"General: 
In accordance with instructions from Major-General 



2i6 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Grant you will embark your division and proceed forthwith 
to Young's Point, and report to Major-General W. T. Sherman, 
commanding 15th Army Corps. 
Respectfully, 

"James B. McPherson, Major-General, 

Commanding 17th Army Corps." 

The regiment was brigaded with the yzd Ohio, 93d In- 
diana and 114th Illinois Infantry and Battery E, ist Illinois 
Light Artillery, Captain Allen C. Waterhouse. This the ist 
Brigade was commanded by Brigadier-General Ralph P. 
Buckland, former colonel of the yzd Ohio Infantry. 3d 
Division, General James M. Tuttle, 15th Army Corps. The 
officers and men were well pleased when they learned that, 
after so many months, they were finally placed in an army 
which had prominent commanders. 

They were soon moved to Duckport and engaged in dig- 
ging in the canal. On May 2 the command started on the 
march to Hard Times Landing, with three days' rations in 
haversacks, and two in the wagons; 40 rounds of ammunition 
in cartridge boxes, and 6o to the man in the wagons. The 
march was made in six days, down along Willow, and Walnut 
Bayous, which was deep in mud, Richmond, Perkins, then 
Lake St. Joseph, crossing the outlet on pontoon bridges — 
'J'^^ miles to Hard Times Landing — arriving about noon. 
Then crossing the Mississippi river on steamboats to Grand 
Gulf during the latter part of the afternoon, having neither 
cooking utensils, rations nor wagons. On the 8th started out 
hungry, having by some means missed the issue of rations by 
the division commissary. Encamped that night at Willow 
Springs, remaining until 4 p. m. next day. Fresh beef and 
corn meal was issued. 

On the 1 2th was ordered to go to Hall's ferry, on the Big 
Black river, to guard that crossing, but by being misdirected 
by citizens the road to Baldwin's ferry was taken. Drove the 
enemy's pickets across the river, remained there over night, 
then returned to the command. On the 13th encountered the 
enemy's pickets, after passing Raymond, and nearing Missis- 
sippi Springs. Approaching the enemy's intrenchments at 
Jackson, by the road to the right of the road passing through 
Clinton, the rain falling continually. When within three 



95TH Ohio Infantry 217 

miles of Jackson, on the 14th, at about 10 a. m., heavy firing 
was heard to our left front, and we were soon receiving shells 
from the enemy's batteries, as we neared the enemy. One 
of General Sherman's staff officers came to General Tuttle 
for a detail of a regiment. The 95th Ohio was ordered, and 
was conducted by the staff officer to the right and along the 
railroad into the town by back streets; the staff officer then 
called for volunteers to accompany Sergeant-Major J. B. 
Vance to advance to a line of defences and ascertain if there 
was any of the enemy there. Ezra Peters, George Brotherly, 
and three other men of Company C volunteered, and, advanc- 
ing boldly, found that the enemy had retreated from the 
works. It was a daring deed. The regiment then, piloted by 
a negro, passed to the rear of a battery, capturing it with 9 
pieces, taking prisoner i captain, 5 lieutenants and 46 men 
with their arms. Thus the 95th Ohio was the first Union 
command to enter and plant the United States flag in the 
capital city of Mississippi. (Volume 24, Series I, Part i, page 
762.) 

The camp that night was in a grove of timber on the 
road leading west from the city, but the regiment lay along 
near to the trenches a part of the night. On the 15th and i6th 
was engaged in destroying the railroad towards Clinton, had 
very light rations. The men did not heed the rainfall; wet 
clothing was an every day matter. On the 17th started out 
at 5 a. m., on through Clinton, Champion's Hill battlefield, 
Edwards Depot, and on the i8th crossed Big Black river on a 
pontoon bridge. Marched to the Willis' plantation, there the 
road turns to the right; advanced along that road towards 
Snider's Landing some distance, then turned to the left and 
was soon in front of the enemy's works. The division in 
reserve of the 15th Corps; the regiment in support of a battery. 
On the 19th at 2 p. m. the briagde was advanced by the 
right flank to the support of General Blair's 2d Division; 
two regiments were sent over the ridge to the left of the road 
leading into Vicksburg, via the city graveyard; the 72d and 95th 
Ohio on the right of the road; the regiment had 2 men wound- 
ed; the brigade lost 5 men killed and 27 wounded. General 
Blair's Division withdrew from their position on the evening 
of the 19th leaving Buckland's Brigade in the advance. This 
position was maintained; sharpshooting during daytime and 



21 8 Ohio at Vicksburg 

pushing reconnoitering parties to the front at night to locate 
the enemy's picket line, and secure a good position to fortify 
near to the enemy's intrenchments. On the night of the 20th 
Captain Wells Allis, with his Company C, advanced in the 
supreme darkness to the top of the bluff, and into the garden 
near to the shed which stood near a pile of bricks where a 
house had been burned. Sergeant James Burns, John Fox, and 
Ezra Peters secured some vegetables from the garden; they 
were within a few feet of the enemy's pickets, who were talking 
in whispers. They captured a man who came crawling along 
carefully, but he proved to be a lieutenant of an Iowa regiment. 

On the evening of the 2ist the brigade was withdrawn 
from the position. On the 22d the brigade supported Blairs' 
Division, and was on the left of the road during the time of 
the assault. On the 23d the brigade took position on the bluff 
to the right rear of the Waterhouse Battery. The 95th Ohio 
holding the right of the brigade and near the two gun battery 
on its right, near the west point of the bluff, dropping down into 
Mint Spring Valley. 

On the night of June 18 Captain William R. Warnock, 
with his company G, 95th Ohio, was ordered to advance to a 
position in front of the brigade on the left of the road leading 
to the enemy's works and near to them, and hold the position 
while the sappers and miners could dig trenches and throw up 
works of defense. The captain and his men crawled up the 
hillside upon their hands and knees. The night was very 
dark. When they reached the crest of the bluff, and not hear- 
ing any sound, the captain advanced towards a large tree, 
which was dimly outlined. When within about 15 feet of the 
tree a man stepped out with pointed gun; a cap was snapped, 
the gun missed fire; the form of the man disappeared, 
running across the head of the ravine. 

The position was held in silence until about 4 o'clock 
a. m. of the 19th, when a staff officer approached and said that 
it had been impossible to secure picks and shovels, and ordered 
the company to withdraw. On the night of the 19th Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Jefferson Brumback, with four companies, 
Captain S. A. J. Snyder's Company C, and Andrew Nuhfer's 
Company D, of the jzd Ohio, i company from the 93d Indiana, 
and Captain Marcus L. Stansbury's Company E, of the 95th 
Ohio, were ordered to take possession of the same hill and 



95TH Ohio Infantry 219 

protect the sappers and miners who were to commence earth- 
works in the vicinity of the brick pile where the house had been 
burned, and the board shed. They crawled upon their hands 
and knees to near the top of the hill when they received a volley 
from the enemy's pickets, who were in readiness, resulting in 
the wounding severely of Major J. D. McClure, of General 
Tuttle's staff. Our men again advanced, but were met with 
another volley, they returning the fire. The command was 
recalled, and our artillery threw a few shells at the enemy, 
which seemed to do them injury. Our losses were Company 
E, 95th Ohio, killed i, wounded 8, three of whom died soon 
after. 

On June 22 the regiment moved with the division with 
Major-General Sherman's command to near Big Black river 
and remained there until July 4, when at 10:25 ^- "^- word was 
received of the surrender of the enemy at Vicksburg. On the 
5th moved two miles to Messinger's ferry and assisted in build- 
ing a bridge across the Big Black river, with timbers taken from 
a cotton gin building. On the 6th crossed over the river about 
4 o'clock p. m. (ist Lieutenant H. W. Phelps, Company H, 
95th Ohio, diary), and commenced the advance towards Jack- 
son, driving the enemy's pickets and skirmishers. On July 
6 Captain James Kilbourne, of Company H, being sick and 
refusing to go to hospital, was detailed upon the staff of Brig- 
adier-General Jas. M. Tuttle as division picket officer, suc- 
ceeding Major J. D. McClure, who had been wounded. There 
was a great rainfall on the night of the 7th. Passed through 
Clinton and arrived in front of Jackson within one and a half 
miles about 11:30 a. m. the loth. 

The regiment did not take any part in the engagements 
although the brigade did. On the I2th moved back two miles, 
and until the 23d was engaged in picket duty and foraging. 
Moved with the army; crossed the Big Black river on the 25th; 
was in camp at Little Bear Creek, Oak Ridge and Chestnut 
Ridge until November 7. Lieutenant Vincent Allen, of Com- 
pany K, Lieutenant James C. Calvert, of Company A, and 86 
men died during the months of June to December, 1863, at 
Vicksburg, and in hospitals, the result of the Vicksburg 
campaign. 

Major Joseph M. Stuart resigned for reason of sickness 
July 23d. Captain William R. Warnock, of Company G, was 



220 Ohio at Vicksburg 

commissioned major. Captains E. L. Taylor, of Company D, 
and I. B. Potts, of Company A, having been disabled, resigned 
in July. All able and valiant officers. In October, while on 
an expedition towards Mechanicsburg, during a night march, 
B. Neff and William P. Fike, of Company H, were captured 
by the enemy, taken to Andersonville prison and died there. 

In November the division embarked on steamboats and 
moved to Memphis, Tenn., arriving there on the I2th. The 
command in a short time was stationed at Colliersville, Tenn., 
23 miles from Memphis. On December 20 the designation of 
command was changed from the 3d Division, 15th Army 
Corps, to the ist Division, i6th Army Corps. On December 
27 the enemy, under command of General Chalmers, attacked 
the cavalry pickets, driving them back, then made a night 
attack upon the regiment at Colliersville, capturing 2 men, i ot 
them escaping, but the other man. Barton Durant, was taken 
to Andersonville prison where he died. The command, 
during the spring months of 1864, was out on two expeditions 
in western Tennessee and northern Mississippi. The regiment 
was with the expedition commanded by Brigadier-General S. D. 
Sturgess in June, 1864. Colonel William L. McMillen, of the 
95th Ohio, having command of the Infantry, numbering 5,000. 
Meeting the enemy under command of General N. B. Forrest, 
who retreated through swampy country, finally gave battle on 
grounds of his own selection; defeated our force of 3,300 
cavalry and 5,000 infantry with a quantity of artillery; tak- 
ing train, artillery and many prisoners and harassing our forces 
on their retreat from the battle grounds at Brice's Cross Roads, 
Miss., for 90 miles to Colliersville. The regiment lost in killed 
Lieutenant Oscar D. Kelton, of Company A, and 5 enlisted 
men, taken prisoner Captains Robert M. Hanson and Wells 
Allis, who were almost fatally wounded with gunshots through 
the body. Captains A. V. Peters, M. L. Stansbury, Lieutenants 
I. M. Davidson, 1. G. Peetrey, B. E. Robinson and Joseph 
Houston, and 147 noncommissioned officers and privates, many 
of whom were seriously wounded, 27 of them died while in 
prison, and 9 suffered death by the explosion of the steamer 
Sultana on the Mississippi river near Memphis, Tenn., April 27, 
1865. The officers all returned after long confinement in pris- 
on. Very few of the men were fitted for any military duty 
after returning from prison. Two men, Henry C. Titus and 



95TH Ohio Infantry 221 

Joseph Coleman, after being taken prisoner and being tired 
and slow to march, were allowed to stop to rest, two guards 
remained with them; the other prisoners were moved on; 
several shots were heard, the guards came up with the column 
of prisoners, but the two men have never been heard from. 

On June 22 another expedition was fitted out and Major- 
General A. J. Smith was put in command, with Brigadier- 
General Joseph A. Mower second in command; three divi- 
sions, the right wing of the i6th Army Corps. The regiment 
was with this expedition, which at Tupelo, Miss., not far 
from where the battle of June 10 was fought, met the enemy 
on July 13 and 15, commanded by General N. B. Forrest, 
and after fast and furious fighting punished them severely. 
The loss to the regiment was i man killed, wounded 8, died of 
wounds I, taken prisoner 3, died in prison 2. These two 
campaigns were very severe on the men of the regiment, many 
who returned were not again in physical condition for any duty, 
and several died. Again in the month of August the regiment 
went with Generals Smith and Mower's command to Oxford, 
Miss., and had some skirmish fighting at Abbeville, Miss. 

On September 2 the division commanded by Brigadier- 
General J. A. Mower went by steamboats to Du Vails Bluff, 
Ark., on the White river, then proceeded by marching to 
Brownsville, near Little Rock. General F. Steele had asked 
for assistance to repel the invasion of the state, and the threatened 
taking of Little Rock, by General Sterling Price, with his army, 
and other commands of southwestern Missouri. 

After campaigning for 19 days on 12 days' rations through 
Arkansas, and Missouri, the command arrived, tired and 
hungry, at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on the Mississippi 
river, at 7 o'clock p. m., October 5, where Major-General 
Andrew J. Smith, commanding the right wing of the i6th 
Army Corps, was waiting with a fleet of steamboats and two 
Divisions expecting to take the command to Louisville, 
Ky,, and then go by railroad to join General Sherman's army. 
But Major-General W. S. Rosecrans, who had command of 
the Department of Missouri, had secured consent to use 
General Smith's troops in western Missouri. The steamboatr. 
conveyed the command to St. Louis, Mhere clothing and 
rations were drawn, then on to Jefferson City, and by railroad 
to Lamine river. A campaign after General Price's forces 



222 Ohio at Vicksburg 

and other Confederate commands began; closing with the 
battle on the Little Blue river at Westport, seven miles then, 
from Kansas City, Mo., on October 24, at sunrise, after 
marching 36 miles during the previous 24 hours. General 
Blount coming from the w^est v^^ith his cavalry command, and, 
with the aid of General Pleasanton's Cavalry, who were in the 
advance of our command of Infantry, were holding General 
Price's forces, who were mounted, until General Smiths' com- 
mand could come up; but they making a desperate charge cut 
their way through the cavalry command and escaped, General 
Blount's command following them through Kansas, 
into the Indian Territory. General A. J. Smith's com- 
mand stopped for one day and buried the dead of both 
armies. Thus the infantry command, after 38 days of pur- 
suit of the enemy, were cheated out of a battle with the enemy. 
The regiment, with Smith's command, marched for one day in 
Kansas, on October 26, through prairie, the tall grass being 
set on lire by the retreating enemy to prevent pursuit. 

The return to St. Louis was begun on Sunday, October 

30. On Thursday, November 3, rain fell, then snow to depth 
of 13 inches, near Otterville. After marching 18 miles the 
officers and men's clothing was wet, the weather turned cold 
and with only gummed cloth blankets and with shoe soles 
worn out the men suffered terribly. On November 8, the day 
for casting ballots for election of President and Vice-President, 
107 votes were cast by members of the regiment; every man pres- 
ent voted except those not of age. This was near Jefferson 
City; the vote was Lincoln 91, McClellan 16. The com- 
mand arrived at St. Louis, Mo., after severe hardships, on 
November 15. Were paid four months' pay up to October 

31. November 23 went on board steamboat J. Raymond and 
started with General A. J. Smith's command for Nashville, 
Tenn. Brigadier-General John McArthur, commanding the 
1st Division since October 10, relieving Brigadier-General 
Joseph A. Mower, who was ordered to join Major-General 
Sherman's army. 

The command arrived at Nashville on the night of No- 
vember 30, disembarked on December i, and marched three 
and one-half miles out to the hills and began to fortify that 
afternoon, working until 10 o'clock p. m. Finished the 
works the next day. The right of General Smith's i6th Army 



95TH Ohio Infantry 223 

Corps resting on the Cumberland river. There were three 
divisions. On December 5 one company of the 95th Ohio 
(Companies H and I in one command, as there w^ere but seven 
company officers present for duty) was deployed as skirmishers, 
the enemy's cavalry coming in sight. On the 6th the 72d 
Ohio lost I man killed while reconnoitering. Picket and 
trench duty continued until the 15th. The sleet and ice 
during the 13th and 14th prevented any movements by either 
army. On the 15th the regiment with the brigade assisted in 
taking two forts, with 7 commissioned officers and 148 enlisted 
men prisoners, 8 cannon, eight caissons, and i wagon with 
arms and accoutrements. 

On the morning of the i6th the command, after lying on 
the captured field during the night without fires, and on arms, 
moved out and occupied works constructed during the night, 
then moved in two lines towards Shy's Hill, which was occupied 
by the enemy. Supporting the battery of Cogswell's Inde- 
pendent Illinois Light Artillery and a battery of the 15th 
Indiana Light Artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Fred. 
Fonts, and were in front of General Couch's Division of the 
23d Army Corps. About 12 o'clock noon the brigade moved 
to the left along a hillside, and lying down began to dig a trench 
and throw the dirt against a fence and thus make defenses 
against the enemy's sharpshooters, and guard against an 
assault, also to attract the attention of the enemy while another 
battery could be placed in position on the hill in front of Gen- 
eral Couch's Division. This battery was commanded by 
Lieutenant Fred Fonts, as per letter received from him in Feb- 
ruary, 1886, from St. Louis, Mo., who has'since died. The regi- 
ment lost I man mortally wounded, Hesekiah Biggs, Sergeant 
of Company I, and several men were wounded while in that 
position. It was intended to assault the enemy on the hill in 
front should General Couch's Division make an assault upon 
the hill in their front. Generals A. J. Smith, and John 
McArthur, finally, alter much persuasion, succeeded in gaining 
the consent of Major-General George H. Thomas, commanding 
the army, to make an assault upon the enemy on the hill in 
front, the one held by Colonel Shy's Brigade, in General 
William Bate's Division. General Thomas thought the risk 
of life in an assault too great, but would permit it. 

General William L. McMillen, commanding the ist 
Brigade, of the ist Division, i6th Army Corps, then consented 



224 Ohio at Vicksburg 

with his brigade to make the assault. He retired the brigade 
from the position it held, and moved by the right flank to a' 
point on the hill in front of the hill to be assaulted, forming in 
two lines outside of the works occupied by and in front of 
General Couch's Division. The regiments of the brigade 
were the yzd Ohio, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel C. G. 
Eaton; 95th Ohio, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Jeffer- 
son Brumback; 93d Indiana, Captain C. A. Hubbard; 114th 
Illinois, Captain J. M. Johnson; loth Minnesota Infantry, 
Lieutenant-Colonel S. P. Jennison; numbering oflScers and 
enlisted men about 1,400. 

At 3.30 p. m. after instructing the officers commanding 
the batteries to open upon the enemy on the hill and to con- 
tinue firing rapidly until the assaulting column was up in range 
on the hill assaulted. General McMillen gave the command 
to advance with fixed bayonets and take the hill without firing 
a shot; that was done in the face of a terrific fire of musketry 
and shell; the last 30 yards before reaching the enemy's 
works a sheet of flame was in our faces. The brigades to the 
right and left and all of the army rushed in when they saw the 
desperate position of that small brigade, and the entire line 
of the enemy was either taken prisoner or driven back. The 
regiment lost i man killed; Sergeant James Price, of Company 
H, who was color sergeant of the regiment, died from gunshot 
wound after he had planted the colors of his regiment upon 
the enemy's works while in hand to hand combat. The hill 
in ascent was so steep that the enemy shot over their advancing 
foes. General McMillen followed closely his brigade and 
cheered the men on to victory. Wounded men of the enemy 
stood in the trenches and attempted to prevent our men from 
going over. Not a single wounded man of the enemy was 
bayo netted. 

Brigadier-General Smith, 84 field, staff and line officers 
and 1,533 enlisted men were captured in this charge on that 
hill, together with 4 battle flags, 8 cannon, 8 caissons and a 
large number of small arms. (General William L. McMil- 
len, during his last sickness and only a few days previous to 
his death on Feb. 8, 1902, while sitting propped up in bed, re- 
lated to the writer of this, who was also present in that charge, 
the preliminary arrangements for the charge, and the consent 
given by General Thomas. The reports of the battles, see 



95TH Ohio Infantry 225 

Vol. 45, Series i, Part i, pages 432 to 444 inclusive, and 458-9, 
War of the Rebellion Records, bear out his statements.) Of the 
brigade, 2 field officers wounded, also 6 line officers and 60 
enlisted men killed and wounded. 

The regiment with the command followed Hood's retreat- 
ing army one mile that night, and continued to follow them, 
after burying the dead, passing through Franklin, Colunibia, 
Pulaski, Lawrenceburg, to Clifton, on the Tennessee river. 
Roads extremely bad; much rainfall; many Confederate 
prisoners taken. Arrived at Eastport, Miss., on the Tennessee 
river, on Friday, January 6, 1865. Had no rations except 
corn from 9th to 15th. Remained at Eastport until February 
6, when General Smith's command boarded steamboats and 
started to join General E. R. S. Canby's Army at New Orleans. 
The regiment was on board steamer City of Memphis. Ar- 
rived at Cairo on the 8th and remained until the loth coaling 
the boats; arrived at Vicksburg on the 14th, remained there 
until 19th; was encamped five miles out. Left there on same 
boat, arrived at New Orleans on the 22d; was encamped on 
the Andrew Jackson battlefield. Embarked on an ocean 
steamship on the 28th. Arrived at Dauphine island, and 
disembarked March 3, not far from Fort Gaines, an island of 
white coarse sand with no vegetation on one side, 30 miles 
from Mobile. On the 9th heard of the burning of Columbia, 
S. C. On the 1 2th the command was inspected by Major- 
General P. J. Osterhaus. On the 19th left the island and 
boarded steamboats; landed at Crawford's landing, right 
bank of Fish river. 

On the 24th commenced to advance towards Spanish 
Fort. On the 28th the fort v^as closely invested by the land 
forces and gunboats. Two of our guns were silenced; gun- 
boats were throwing shells into the fort. 29th, close firing all 
day by gunboats, land artillery and musketry. 30th, heavy 
firing by artillery both sides last night; the brigade helped to 
take two 30-pounder Parrott guns from a gunboat today, and 
by means of cable ropes 300 men and as many mules as could 
well be hitched dragged the guns through the sand about 
one-third mile and mounted them on parapet of logs and sand. 
The regiment is in the trenches every alternate day digging to 
mine the fort. The pickets on either side talk with each other 
during the night time. 31st, heavy and continued dueling with 



226 Ohio at Vicksburg 

artillery; 6 to 7 p. m., the two large guns mounted yesterday 
doing tremendous execution. The regiment was in the trenches 
on the low land within one-eighth mile of the fort, which is 
situated on an elevation of fully 100 feet. The enemy cannot 
depress their guns so as to throw shells into our trenches. 
Whenever their sharpshooters show themselves they draw the 
fire of our men. With short wooden mortars the enemy 
toss small shells over into our trenches, but they come so slowly 
that when they fall, our men fall down, while the pieces as 
the shells burst fly upward and do no harm. 

April 4 the regiment was on picket 24 hours, i man 
was seriously wounded. There was heavy artillery firing on 
ouV left. At 5 o'clock p. m. the regiment went into the trenches; 
the artillery opened a bombardment of the fort and continued 
until dark. On the 6th the regiment guarded artillery over to 
Fort Blakely. On the night of April 7 Daniel Waldron, of 
Company G, with two men of the 72d Ohio, volunteered to go 
out 200 feet towards the fort from our trenches and tie ropes 
to cheval-de-frise, which had been put out the night previous 
by the enemy. Our men in the trenches, which were then 
within 400 feet of the fort, pulled on the rope too soon, be- 
lieving that they had the proper signal. The three men were 
wounded by gunshots from the enemy's pickets. On the 8th 
George W. Schrock, of Company A, 95th Ohio, was wounded 
in the head by gunshot from the enemy while on picket; he 
died April 25 at New Orleans. 

Our trenches were within 100 yards of the fort. The 
brigade was in the trenches when at 5 p. m. our artillery com- 
menced bombarding and continued until darkness set in. 
Thomas I. Stephenson, corporal of Company B, was shot and 
killed by an enemy sharpshooter. At 10 o'clock p. m. the 
brigade advanced with other troops, believing that the enemy 
was evacuating the fort and going by steamboat and gunboat 
to Mobile. Some prisoners who had been taken piloted the 
way into the fort, taking up torpedos which had been planted; 
the brigade went into the fort at 10:30 p. m., and found but 
few of the late enemy there. Thus ended our warfare. 9th, 
the regiment marched over to Fort Blakely and witnessed the 
taking of that fort on the loth, then marched to Montgomery, 
Ala., arriving on April 25, then first learning of the surrender 
of General R. E. Lee, with his army, and the assassination of 



95TH Ohio Infantry 227 

the President. Then went to Enterprise, Miss., and remained 
until July 21, making contracts between the Colored people, 
for the United States government, and the Southern planters. 
Then proceeded to Louisville, Ky., where on August 14 was 
mustered out of the United States service, to be discharged at 
Columbus, Ohio, which was done on the 19th, just three years 
from date of muster into the service. 

Recapitulation 95TH O. V. I. 

The regiment was mustered into the United States service 
on August 18 and 19 by Captain C. O. Howard, i8th United 
States Infantry, and Captain A. B. Dod, 15th United States 
Infantry, at Camp Chase, near Columbus, Ohio, with 9 field 
and staff officers and 30 company officers, and 976 noncom- 
missioned officers and men. It went into the field on August 
21, 1862, with its full strength. Was engaged in battle August 
30, 1862, with loss in killed and mortally wounded noncom- 
missioned officers and men 32, commissioned officers wounded 
6; noncommissioned officers and men wounded 86. Taken 
prisoner and paroled commissioned officers 33; noncommission- 
ed officers and men 639. 

It returned to the field January 18, 1863, with a full 
complement of commissioned officers, and 769 noncommissioned 
officers and men. 11 commissioned officers had resigned, 

1 enlisted man had been commissioned in another regiment, 

2 men discharged to accept appointment in regular service, 
II men were commissioned as officers, 35 men were discharged 
on account of wounds received, 106 men discharged for dis- 
ability, 6 men discharged by civil authority, 5 men enlisted in 
regular service, l man was accidentally killed, 16 men died, 
8 men deserted, 8 men claimed never to have been mustered, 
32 men killed in battle, 1 1 recruits enlisted. 

Subsequently i commissioned officer killed in battle, 2 
died, 7 resigned, i was transferred to command colored troops. 
Captain Morris Youmans commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel. 
Surgeon H. Z. Gill had been commissioned surgeon of United 
States Volunteers; Lieutenant Murray Davis had been com- 
missioned captain of the United States Volunteers. 

Ten commissioned officers were wounded, 8 of whom were 
prisoners of war confined in prisons; 3 noncommissioned 



228 Ohio at Vicksburg 

officers commissioned and transferred to command colored 
troops. Killed in battle i6, wounded 41, prisoners of war 
confined in prisons 156, died while in prison 29, died after 
exchanged on steamer Sultana 10, in other places 4, murdered 
by guards while on road to prison 3. Died in our hospitals and 
camps and at home 124, discharged for wounds received 7, 
for disability 53, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps 38. 
Recruits to 72d O. V. I. 19, mustered out absent from com- 
mand 1^']^ drowned 2, recruits 51. Total officers 54, enlisted 
men 1,038. Commissioned officers at muster out 30. En- 
listed men 456. Was engaged in 23 battles and 2 sieges. 
Marched through 8 states; more than 12,000 miles, and had 
many skirmishes. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Richmond, Ky August 30, 1862 

Jackson, Miss May 14, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (assaults). . May 19-22, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Big Black river. Miss July 6, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Brandon, Miss July 19, 1863 

Hickahala Creek, Miss February 10, 1864 

Brice's Cross Roads (Guntown), 

Miss June ,10, 1 864 

Harrisburg, Miss July 13, 1864 -* 

Tupelo, Miss July 14, 1864 

Old Town Creek, Miss July 15, 1864 

Abbeville, Miss August 23, 1864 

Little Harpeth, Tenn December 6, 1864 

Nashville, Tenn December 15, 16, 1864 

Pursuit of Hood Dec. 17, 1864, to Jan. i,'65 

Spanish Fort, Ala March 26 to April 9, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 95th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the assault, May 19, 1863, wounded 2; In the assault, 
May 22", wounded 4, In affair on the picket line the night of 
June 19, wounded 8, missing i, total 9; and during the siege, 
not otherwise reported. 




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96th Ohio Infantry 229 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, wounded 14, missing I, total 15." 

The one reported missing was killed, Ira S. Sargeant, 
Company E, and of the wounded two died soon of their wounds, 
Daniel D. Taylor and Jeremiah Richwine, of Company E. 

Colonel William L. McMillen was Brevet-Brigadier-Gen- 
eral; Lieutenant-Colonel Jefferson Brumback and Major 
William R. Warnock were brevetted Colonels; Captain James 
Kilbourne was brevetted Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
Colonel, in U. S. Volunteers. 



96th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 
Record by Captain Robert P. Bartlett. 

THIS regiment was recruited in July and August, 1862, 
in the counties of Delaware, Knox, Logan, Marion, 
Morrow and Union, and was organized at Camp Delaware, 
Ohio, and mustered into the service of the United States, 
August 19, for three years, by Charles C. Goddard, captain of 
the 17th United States Infantry. 

On September i it went to Covington, Ky., and for 
several nights was quartered at public halls, and was first 
ordered out to Fort Mitchell. On September 8 it went into 
camp about three miles southeast of Newport on the ground 
where Fort Thomas is located, without tents. Brush arbors 
were erected to protect the men from the sun, but they took 
the rains. On September 17 the regiment got five tents, and 
on September 25 four more, and the complement came shortly 
after. This camp was called Beechwood Battery, and the 
regiment was drilled, and many times called into rifle-pits in 
the early hours of the morning. A strong picket was main- 
tained, as the Rebel forces, under General Kirby Smith, were 
threatening Covington and Cincinnati. In the meantime 
the regiment was armed with Austrian rifles, which would 
carry scarcely 40 rods. 

On October 8 the regiment broke camp and started on 
the march to Falmouth, Ky., where it arrived at noon on 
October 11 and went into camp, and remained until October 
19, when the march of 23 miles over a stony pike was resumed 



230 Ohio at Vicksburg 

to Cynthiana, where the men arrived foot-sore, and with 
blistered feet, and here the regiment camped until October 23, 
when the march was resumed to Paris, Ky. Here it went 
into camp near the town on the farm of Honorable Garret 
Davis. On the afternoon of October 25 a snow storm set in, 
and by the next morning six inches of snow had fallen; the 
men dug trenches through their tents for furnaces, and took 
stones from the stone fences to cover the trenches, and built 
fires in the improvised furnaces to protect them from the cold, 
from which they were suffering. Colonel Vance ordered the 
captains to have the men return the stone coverings to the fences, 
and Captains Kimball, Kendall, Coulter and Riechlderfere 
refused so to do, and were put under arrest. Colonel Vance 
relented, after considering the sufferings of the men, and when, 
on the 28th, the march was resumed to Lexington, he released 
the captains from arrest and nothing more was ever heard 
about it. In the meantime part of the companies were on 
provost guard duty in Paris. The regiment arrived in ca*mp 
near Lexington, Ky., on the 28th, and on the 31st arrived at 
Nicholasville, where winter quarters were built, only to be 
deserted on the lith of November, on orders to march to Louis- 
ville, where the regiment arrived on November 15, and camped 
along the canal around the falls. Here our Austrian rifles 
were exchanged for Belgians that carried an ounce and one- 
half ball. 

On November 21 the regiment embarked on the steam- 
boats Ida May and Lady Franklin and arrived at Memphis, 
Tenn., on November 27, and camped about two miles from 
the landing, near Elmwood Cemetery 

December 20 the regiment embarked on steamer Hiawatha 
with Sherman's expedition to Vicksburg; arriving at Milliken's 
Bend December 25, and with its brigade, under command of 
General S. G. Burbridge, made a forced march to Dallas Sta- 
tion, on the Vicksburg, Shreveport and Texas Railway, where, 
and at Delhi Station, the brigade burned 3 bridges and trestle 
works, tore up and destroyed one and one-half miles of rail- 
road, heated and twisted the rails, burning depots, cotton and 
cotton-gins galore; captured 200 head of cattle and 100 head of 
mules and many horses, and destroyed other stores and supplies 
that could not be moved. (See report of General Burbridge, 
Vol. XVII, Part I, page 629, Official Records of the Rebellion.) 
The brigade had marched 75 miles in 36 hours. 



96th Ohio Infantry 231 

Reembarking, it continued with Sherman's army down 
the river and up the Yazoo river, landing at Johnston's planta- 
tion on the evening of December 27, and marched out to 
Chickasaw Bayou, where the regiment formed in line of battle 
on the right of the line with A. J. Smith's Division, and took 
part in that unfortunate attack against the defenses of Vicks- 
burg, on December 28 and 29. After the battle the regiment, 
with McClernand's forces, was transported up the river to the 
mouth of the White river; thence up the White river and the 
Arkansas river to the vicinity of Arkansas Post, where the army 
was disembarked on the evening of January 10, 1863. The 
next day the forces under General McClernand attacked the 
fort in force and soon compelled its surrender, capturing 4,691 
prisoners. The brigade of which this regiment formed a part 
was most conspicuous in the assault and was accorded great 
honors during the assault and capture. The casualties of the 
regiment were, killed and died of wounds 17, wounded 38. 

Soon after, the regiment landed with its brigade at Young's 
Point, and went into camp with Grant's army. (See reports of 
Generals McClernand, A. J. Smith and Burnbridge, Official 
Records of War of the Rebellion, Vol. XVII, pages 700 et seq.) 

On February 14 the regiment, with its brigade, and one 
week's rations, went on the Greenville expedition, after guerrillas, 
and did not return for two weeks, having marched in the rain 
and slept in mule barns, or any possible place without tents or 
shelter, and returned to Camp at Young's Point, where it 
remained until March 15, when it moved camp with the army 
to Milliken's Bend, the enemy having cut the levee and flooded 
the camp at Young's Point. 

On March 29, 1863, one of the grandest campaigns ever 
attempted during the war was inaugurated by General Grant's 
order for General Osterhaus, 9th Division of the 13th Army 
Corps, to advance down the west side of the Mississippi river 
and cross over to the east side. General A. J. Smith's loth 
Division (of which the 96th was a part) and the other divisions 
of the corps quickly followed and the carnival of war soon com- 
menced. The terrific fighting, the strategy, and the success of 
the Vicksburg campaign has been the w^onder and admiration 
of all military men. 

The 96th advanced over corduroy roads or steamboats on 
bayous, with its brigade, as far as Perkins' plantation, where 



232 Ohio at Vicksburg 

with the 60th Indiana Infantry, it was stationed to garrison 
the "Cracker" line, and then on May 28, it was ordered to 
Warrenton, at which place it disembarked from the steamer 
Silver Wave the same afternoon, and immediately marched 
around to the investment line and took its place on the right 
center of the brigade, and up to the rifle-pits of the invest- 
ment line, and was active in the operations of the siege until the 
surrender of the garrison, July 4, 1863. 

On June 3 William W. Reed, of Company D (who was on 
detail to the 17th Ohio Battery), was shot by a sharpshooter of 
the enemy, through the right arm (near the elbow) and face 
(from side to side), and very severely wounded; and on June 
30, John N. Geyer, of Company D, was fatally wounded in the 
head by a stray shot from the enemy, and died July 16, 1863, 
of said wound at Division Hospital, although it seems no 
casualties were reported. 

During the siege B. J. Williams, of Company E, 96th 
(then on the staff of General Burbridge), assisted by Corporal 
Thomas F. Zuck, of Company D, as draughtsman, made plats 
of the division and brigade headquarters, and camps of regi- 
ments and batteries of the division, and rifle-pits and forts and 
works in the front of the division, and one of said plats has been 
preserved by B. J. Williams (now of Shelby, Ohio), and loaned 
to Captain William T. Rigby, chairman of the National Com- 
mission on Vicksburg National Military Park, and has been 
of much assistance in definitely locating the headquarters, 
camps of regiments and batteries, and location of the guns of 
same, and rifle-pits and embrasures, and of the six Confed- 
erate forts which appear in sight. 

This map, or plat, shows Burbridge's Brigade camped up 
to the rifle-pits and line of investment, which Union avenue 
now follows; and the regiments in position as follows, to wit: 
the 96th Ohio on right center, and the i6th and 60th Indiana 
to right of the 96th; the 83d Ohio on the left center, and the 
67th Indiana and 23d Wisconsin to the left of the 83d. The 
camps of the regiments of the 2d Brigade are to the rear of 
those of the ist Brigade. 

On the morning of July 3, about 10 o'clock, a flag of truce 
bearer approached the front Union rifle-pits and picket line of 
General A. J. Smith's Division, 13th Army Corps, and was 
followed by General John S. Bowen and Colonel L. M. Mont- 



96th Ohio Infantry 233 

gomery of the Confederate army. Albert Davis, a heroic 
young soldier of Company D, 96th Ohio, on duty at a front 
picket post, halted the flag of truce bearer, and called Captain 
Joseph Leonard of Company B, 96th, who was the officer of 
the picket line, and he blindfolded General Bowen and Colonel 
Montgomery, and with the aid of some officers of the 83d Ohio, 
conducted them through the camps of the division, first to 
General Burbridge's headquarters, and thence they were con- 
ducted to General A. J. Smith, who communicated with Gen- 
eral Grant, who refused to receive them and treat with them, 
and they returned inside of the Confederate lines. 

In the afternoon of the same day Generals Grant and 
Pemberton, with corps and division commanders, met in 
front of General Logan's Division, and about in front of the 
camp of the 32d Ohio, at the place marked by "Surrender 
Monument" in the Park, and the terms of surrender of the 
fortress and its defenders were agreed upon. (See General 
Grant's Memoirs, Vol. I, pages 556-8 and Records of the 
Rebellion, Vol. XXIV, Part 3, page 460, General Ord. to 
General Grant.) 

The afternoon of July 4 the men were ordered to turn 
over their Belgian muskets and each man go to the stacks 
outside the Rebel forts and select for himself a Springfield or 
an Enfield rifle, which was done; they were double shotted and 
kicked ferociously when fired. Early in the morning of July 
5, the regiment, with its brigade and division, was ordered to 
march, without tents, against General Joe Johnston, who was 
then strongly fortified at Jackson, Miss., and after the capture 
of that place, it returned with the corps to Vicksburg, where it 
camped until September 25, 1863. On August 19 a corporal, 
Clark Miner, of Company D, was killed; and a private, William 
Faris, of Company C, was severely wounded by the explosion 
of the steamboat City of Madison at the landing at Vicksburg. 

September 25, 1863, regiment embarked for New Orleans 
and went into camp at Carrollton, near the city. The regiment 
was engaged in drilling, reviews by General Grant, and a 
scouting expedition to New river, until October 3, when camp 
was broken and the regiment entered on the Teche expedition. 
On arrival at Algiers a train of flat gravel cars stood on the 
track (on which was loaded a train of army wagons, occupied 
in part by the 60th Indiana) waiting to transport the regiment 



234 Ohio at Vicksburg 

to Morgan City, and after a little delay, the 96th was ordered 
to board the cars, under the wagons. The patriotism of a true 
soldier forbids him to murmur at hardships, and his loyalty 
and faithfulness requires unquestioned obedience to orders, 
and so the soldiers of the 96th, with a hilarious shout, boarded 
the cars under the army wagons. The soldiers laughed at 
impossibilities, and always attempted to carry out their orders, 
and when ordered to a place seemingly impossible, they looked 
about for transportation. 

At Vermillionville (now Lafayette) the regiment on 
October 13 voted for Governor of Ohio; 222 votes were cast 
for Brough and 5 for Vallandigham. 

But little opposition was met until October 30, when the 
enemy's pickets were encountered, and some skirmishes were 
had for three days, and on November 3 a force of more than 
four to one attacked the rear guard (which was Burbridge's 
Brigade) at Grand Coteau, and the most terrific fight in which 
the regiment was ever engaged occurred before reenforcements 
could come to its aid and drive the enemy oflT. Some com- 
panies lost one-third of their number, killed and wounded. 
Returning to Algiers the regiment on December 11 embarked 
for Matagorda Peninsula, Texas, where it remained until 
February 28, 1864, and then returned to Algiers and entered 
on the Red river campaign and took part in the battle of 
Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, where they suffered severely in 
killed and wounded. Colonel J. W. Vance was killed and 
Captain Samuel Coulter mortally wounded. They were 
also engaged in battle of Cane river, and endured all the hard- 
ships of this unfortunate campaign. 

From August 5 to 23 was on the expedition and capture 
of Forts Gaines and Morgan, Ala. September i it moved back 
to Morganza, La., thence on November i to the mouth of 
White river. While at this place the ranks of the regiment 
became so depleted that, under orders dated November 18, 
the regiment was consolidated into four companies, and one 
company transferred from the 42d Ohio, making five companies, 
and was designated as the 96th Battalion, under command of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Albert H. Brown, who was loved and 
revered by all his men, and refused to be mustered out, and 
remained with the battalion until the close of the war. 

The battalion remained at the mouth of White river until 
March 26, when it was ordered to Kennersville, and thence to 



96th Ohio Infantry 235 

Mobile Point, where it was active in the operations around 
Mobile, taking part in the capture of Spanish Fort 
April 8, 1865, and in the capture of Mobile April 12, and the 
next day was engaged with the enemy at Whistler's Station; 
from April 14 to May 9 was sent on an expedition to Nanna- 
hubbah Bluffs on the Tombigbee river, and also to Mcintosh 
Bluffs; on May 9 returned to Mobile where the regiment was 
mustered out of the United States service July 7, 1865, and 
embarked from that city for Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, 
where it arrived July 28, 1865, and July 29 the men received 
their discharges and returned to their homes. 

The 96th Ohio Regiment marched on foot, 1,683 rnil^s; 
was transported by boat 7,686 miles; and by rail 517 miles, 
making a grand total of 9,886 miles. 

Its casualties were, killed and died of wounds 49, wounded 
54, died of disease 217, total 320. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honor- 
able part in the following battles: 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28,29, 1862 

Arkansas Post (Ft. Hindman) Miss .January 11, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Grand Coteau, La November 3, 1863 

Sabine Cross Roads, La April 8, 1864 

Monetts Bluff, La April 23, 1864 

Forts Gaines and Morgan, Ala August 5-23, 1864 

Spanish Fort, Ala March 26 to April 8, 1865 

Fort Blakely, Ala April 9, 1865 

Mobile, Ala. (siege of) March 26 to April 12, 1865 

Whistler's Station, Ala April 13, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 96th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This regiment was ordered to remain at Perkin's planta- 
tion, Louisiana, when its corps crossed the river to Bruins- 
burg, Mississippi. It rejoined its brigade at Vicksburg about 
May 24, and served in the trenches until the end of the siege, 
July 4, without reported casualties." 



236 , Ohio at Vicksburg 



1 14th REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

THE 114th Ohio was recruited in August, 1862, from the 
counties of Perry, Fairfield, Pickaway, Fayette, Hocking, 
and Vinton. It rendezvoused at Camp Circleville, and was 
mustered into the United States service September 11, 1862. 

The regiment remained in Camp Circleville until the 19th 
of September, 1862, when it was ordered to Marietta. March- 
ing from Circleville it took the cars at Chillicothe for Marietta, 
arriving at the last-named place September 21, 1862, and went 
into camp six weeks, occupying the time in drilling and equip- 
ping for the field. December i, 1862, it was ordered to Mem- 
phis. 

On December 20 the regiment moved on transports down 
the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Johnston's Landing, on the 
Yazoo river, where it joined General Sherman's army, then 
about to operate in the rear of Vicksburg. On December 26 
the regiment landed near Chickasaw Bluffs, and participated 
in the assault on the enemy's works on Chickasaw Bayou. 
It was active during the whole of this battle, and was severely 
engaged on Sunday, December 28, and Monday, 29. In one 
of these affairs Lieutenant Wilson, of Company F, was severely 
wounded in the foot by a shell, causing the amputation of the 
foot a few days thereafter. Lieutenant Marfield, of Company 
B, was killed by a sharpshooter. The regiment lost several 
others killed and wounded. 

On the night of January i, 1863, at 10 a. m., the army 
commenced the retreat, and at sunrise of the 2d the entire 
command was on board the boats. Before the boats could be 
detached from shore the Rebels fired into them, wounding 
one man of the regiment. 

During the six days that the regiment remained on this 
disastrous field the men suffered intensely from the cold and 
sleeting rain. 

After leaving Chickasaw Bluffs the fleet of transports 
moved up the river, and on the morning of the loth of January, 
1863, cast anchor near Arkansas Post. The forces were 
landed and preparations made for an attack on the fortifications. 



114TH Ohio Infantry 237 

At 10 o'clock a. m., January 11, the attack was commenced, 
and, after a brisk engagement between the National and 
Rebel forces, and a heavy cannonade from the National gun- 
boats stationed in the rear, the post was surrendered, and the 
fort was occupied at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. 

The National troops, after disposing of the material and 
prisoners captured, reembarked on the transports and sailed 
down the Yazoo river to Young's Point, La., where they arrived 
January 23, 1863. During the stay of the regiment in this 
camp it suffered severely from sickness and death, losing 
over 100 men in the space of six weeks' time. 

From the ist of December, 1862, to the 6th of February, 
1863, the regiment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
H. B. Maynard, Colonel Cradlebaugh being absent in Wash- 
ington City. From the 6th of February until March, 1863, it 
was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel John H. Kelly. 
March I, 1863, Colonel Cradlebaugh returned and took com- 
mand. 

On March 8, 1863, the 114th moved to Milliken's Bend, 
La., and went into camp, where it remained until April 5, 1863. 

On April 5, 1863, the national army, under General 
Grant, moved against Vicksburg. The 114th was in the whole 
of this great campaign, and participated in the battles of 
Thompson's Hill, May i, 1863; Champion's Hill, May 16; 
Big Black river bridge. May 17; and the siege of Vicksburg. In 
the battle of Thompson's Hill it lost several men killed and 
wounded in a charge made upon the enemy about 5 o'clock 
in the evening. The enemy was driven from the field, and 
two pieces of artillery, with a number of prisoners, were cap- 
tured. The Rebels were pursued until dark. 

In the battle of Big Black river bridge the regiment had a 
number killed and wounded. Among the killed was Lieuten- 
ant Kennedy, of Company C. 

In the charge at Vicksburg, May 22, 1863, Colonel Cradle- 
baugh was severely wounded in the mouth, and a number of 
men killed and wounded. May 22, 1863, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Kelly again took command of the regiment. Colonel Cradle- 
baugh's wound having disabled him from duty. 

On the 25th the regiment was ordered to Warrenton 
(ten miles below Vicksburg) to garrison that post. This 
duty was quite severe, consisting of strict guard and fatigue 



238 Ohio at Vicksburg 

duty. On July 14 the regiment was ordered back to Vicks- 
burg, where it remained in camp until the 13th of August. 
It was then sent to Carrolhon, six miles above New Orleans. 
On September 6 it moved by rail to Brashear City, or Berwick 
Bay, and remained there up to October 3. It then marched 
by way of Franklin, New Iberia, and Vermillionville to Opelou- 
sas. La., a distance of about 200 miles from New Orleans. 
Remaining at Opelousas but a few days, the regiment marched 
back to New Orleans, where it arrived November 22, 1863. 
This campaign was rather pleasant, the whole of it being made 
without the slightest trouble from the enemy. 

On November 28, 1863, the regiment embarked at New 
Orleans and sailed for Texas, landing at Pass Cavallo, and 
going into camp at Decrow's Point, on Matagorda Peninsula, 
December 3, 1863. It remained on this barren sand-coast 
until January 14, 1864, and then moved to Matagorda Island. 
Remaining at this place until April 18, 1864, it was ordered to 
Alexandria, La., and arrived there April 26. General Bank's 
army was met at Alexandria, where it had fallen back after its 
disastrous repulse. While at Alexandria the regiment was 
engaged in the affair at Graham's plantation, 12 miles out on 
the road. 

The National forces retreated from Alexandria May 13, 
and arrived at Morganza, La., on the Mississippi river. May 22. 
The enemy was engaged and defeated at Marksville, and at 
Yellow Bayou. This campaign was very severe. Forced 
marches of ten days' duration, through the stifling heat and 
dust, and being continually harassed by the enemy on both 
flank and rear, made it almost unendurable. As the Missis- 
sippi appeared in view the weary host sent up a glad shout at 
the certainty that their troubles and fatigues had for the time 
ended. 

Colonel Cradlebaugh did not take command of the regi- 
ment after having been wounded, but resigned October 20, 
1863. Lieutenant-Colonel John H. Kelly was promoted and 
commissioned colonel, to rank from October 20, 1863, but 
was not mustered, the regiment being reduced below the 
minimum. 

While the 114th lay at Morganza it was concerned in 
several raids, scouts, and skirmishes, but did not meet with 
any severe engagements. On November 21, 1864, the regi- 





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COIJOHN SfiABLEB. • t % 

LIEUT. COL JO«KH.K" t^O-l 



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II4TH Ohio Infantry 239 

ment was ordered to the mouth of White river, Ark., arriving 
there November 26. While at this point the I20th Ohio was 
consolidated with the 114th, by which the following-named 
officers were rendered supernumerary, and were honorably 
mustered out of the service: Captains James Duffy, William 
H. Shultz, John C. Hays, John B. Brandt; First-Lieutenants 
M. B. Radcliff, A. B. Messmore, Benjamin S. Shirley, James 
M. Davis, Alexander S. Thompson; Adjutant Lewis M. 
Earnest, and Surgeon O. E. French. 

On December 6, 1864, the regiment was ordered to 
Morganza, La., where it arrived on the 8th, and went into 
camp the next day. On the 13th and 14th it was out on an 
expedition to the Atchafalaya river, but did not find the enemy. 
On January 8, 1865, the regiment moved to Kenna, La., 
where it remained until the 24th, and was then ordered to 
Barrancas, Florida. It remained at this camp up to May, 1865, 
when, the war having virtually ended, it was sent with other 
forces to Texas. In July it was ordered to Columbus, Ohio, 
to be paid off and mustered out. 

During its term of service the 114th marched by land and 
water over 10,000 miles, performed duty in ten different states, 
and was engaged in eight hard fought battles, and many 
skirmishes. It was successful in all except the affair at Chick- 
asaw Bayou. It lost in killed and wounded 6 officers and 80 
men. The loss by disease was very great the first year, about 
200 men having died, and quite a number discharged for 
disability. 

The latter part of the service of the regiment was singularly 
free from casualties. For 19 months no regimental burying 
occurred — an almost miraculous exception. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 

Arkansas Post (Ft. Hindman), Miss. January 11, 1863 

Port Gibson, Miss May i, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Big Black river bridge, Miss May 17, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Graham's plantation. La .May 5-7, 1864 

Avoyelle's Prairie, La May 14, 16, 1864 

Bayou De Glaize, La May 18, 1864 



240 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Mobile, Ala. (siege of) March 26 to April 9, 1865 

Fort Blakely, Ala April 2-9, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 114th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, 1863, killed 2, 
wounded 8, total 10. In the battle of Champion's Hill, May 
16, wounded i. In the engagement at Big Black river bridge, 
May 17, killed 3, wounded i, total 4. In the assault. May 19, 
wounded 10. In skirmish about Vicksburg, May 20, 
killed I. In the assault, May 22, killed 6, wounded 23, total 29. 
In skirmish about Vicksburg, May 23, wounded 6, and 
during the siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment during the 
campaign and siege, killed 12, wounded 49, total 61." 



i2oth REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

THE 1 20th Ohio was organized at Camp Mansfield, near 
Mansfield, Ohio (under the call of the President for the 
second 300,000 men), in the month of August, 1862. 

Five companies, raised in the counties of Wayne and 
Ashland, formed the nucleus of the regiment, and assembled 
at the camp of rendezvous on the 29th of August, 1862. The 
remaining companies came from Richland, Ashland and 
Holmes counties. On the 17th of October it was armed, 
equipped, and mustered into the United States service with an 
aggregate of 949 men. On the 25th of October the 120th 
left Camp Mansfield with orders to report to General Wright 
at Cincinnati. On its arrival it was ordered to report to Gen- 
eral Ammen, commanding at Covington, Ky., and on the same 
day it crossed the Ohio and went into camp, where it remained 
nearly one month. On the 24th of November it embarked on 
transports at Covington, and reached Memphis on the 7th of 
December. Upon the organization of the army for the ex- 
pedition against Vicksburg the regiment was assigned to Col- 
onel Sheldon's Brigade, of General Morgan's Division. This, 



I20TH Ohio Infantry 241 

called the right wing of the Army of the Tennessee, commanded 
by Major-General W. T. Sherman, embarked at Memphis on 
the 20th of December, and moved down the Mississippi to 
the mouth of the Yazoo river; thence up the Yazoo to John- 
son's Landing, and there debarked preparatory to an attack 
on the line of fortifications defending Vicksburg. 

The attack was opened by the National forces late on the 
afternoon of the 26th of November, and on the following day 
the 1 20th was for the first time under fire, having been ordered 
to the support of the ist Michigan Battery near the left of the 
attacking column. In the afternoon of the same day Sheldon's 
Brigade, consisting of the 69th Indiana, 11 8th Illinois, and the 
1 20th Ohio, charged upon the enemy's forces on the extreme 
right, and succeeded in driving them into their fortifications. 
A charge by the 9th Division (General Morgan's) was now 
contemplated, but night coming on our troops were withdrawn 
to a place of safety. This charge, though unsuccessful, was 
made on the following day. The 120th had been ordered to 
cover a working party engaged in laying a pontoon across 
Chickasaw Bayou, and hence took no part in this assault, but 
was exposed to the enemy's fire during the entire day. A 
terrible rainstorm, peculiar to that climate, raged during the 
whole of the ensuing night, which, owing to the inexperience of 
the officers and men of the regiment, proved very disastrous, 
prostrating a large number with fevers and other virulent 
diseases common to the South. The fruitlessness of the attack 
on Vicksburg from the Yazoo being recognized, the National 
forces were withdrawn and taken on transports to Milliken's 
Bend, on the Mississippi river, where Major-General Mc- 
Clernand assumed command. The unavoidable use of the 
miserable water of the Yazoo river, the exposure in the recent 
storm, close confinement on crowded steamboats, and poorly 
prepared food, here made its mark to such an extent that more 
than one-half the number reported "present" were unfit for 
active service. 

The movement against Arkansas Post was now begun. 
On the 5th of January the fleet moved from Milliken's Bend, 
and on the 9th ascended the White river, and thence by a 
connecting canal passed into the Arkansas, and proceeded up 
that river to a point three miles from Fort Hindman, at Arkan- 
sas Post. On the loth the whole force disembarked, and on 



242 Ohio at Vicksburg 

the following night completely invested the entire fortifications, 
behind which the enemy had about 5,000 troops. The attack 
commenced on the morning of the i ith of January, and was 
stubbornly resisted. The 120th was in position on the extreme 
left of the line, along the river bank below Fort Hindman. 
At 4 o'clock p. m. a charge was ordered on the left. The 
brigades of Burbridge and Landrum charged upon the outer 
fortifications, while the 120th charged directly upon the fort. 
The enemy, finding that further resistance would be futile, 
displayed the white flag. 

The 1 20th, it is claimed, was the first regiment of the Na- 
tional forces to enter Fort Hindman, Sergeant Wallace, of 
Company C, color bearer of the regiment, having gallantly 
scaled the parapet of the fort and planted the colors of his 
regiment, an act which shortly afterward brought him a 
lieutenant's commission. 

The fortifications were destroyed by the victorious troops, 
after which they proceeded by river to Young's Point, La., 
six miles above Vicksburg. This place proved to be another 
unhealthy locality, and the 120th suffered so severely from 
measles and typhus malarial fever that, during the month of 
February, half the aggregate number present were reported 
on the sick list. A large number of the officers became dis- 
couraged, and, unwilling to await the issue of their illness, 
tendered their resignations. Among them was Colonel Daniel 
French, the acceptance of whose resignation bears date Feb- 
ruary 18, 1863. The Colonel was constrained to take this step 
because of the reappearance of a disease which he had con- 
tracted in the Mexican war. His retirement from the service 
was deeply regretted. Among the great number who died at 
Young's Point were three of the best officers of the regiment, 
viz.: Captain Phelan, of Company H; First-Lieutenant 
Armstrong, of Company C, and Captain Conyer. 

In the month of February the army at Young's Point was 
reorganized, and General Grant assumed personal command. 
The I20th was assigned to the 3d Brigade (Garrard's), 9th 
Division (Osterhaus'), and 13th Army Corps (McClernand's). 
About the middle of March General McClernand's Corps 
moved up to Milliken's Bend, and on the ist of April marched 
from that point, Garrard's Brigade in advance, to occupy 
New Carthage. Having reached that place, the 13th Corps 



I20TH Ohio Infantry 243 

proceeded by a circuitous route to Perkins' plantation, on the 
west side of the Mississippi, 25 miles below Vicksburg. In 
the meantime a fleet of iron-clads and several transports had 
run the gauntlet of the Vicksburg batteries, and on the 29th 
of April the 13th Corps dropped down to Hard Times Landing, 
about three miles from Grand Gulf, where the enemy was 
strongly fortified. The troops were retained on board the 
transports in readiness to land and take part in the reduction 
of that place, relying on the navy to silence the enemy's batteries. 
The navy failed, and the corps debarked and marched to De 
Shroon, a point three miles below Grand Gulf, and there awaited 
the arrival of the fleet, which succeeded in running the enemy's 
batteries that night. Bruinsburg was the next point of de- 
barkation, and the troops having landed, they at once marched 
in pursuit of the Rebel forces under General Greene. At 
midnight of April 20 the National forces caught up with the 
Rebels, who occupied a strong position on Thompson's Hill, 
near Port Gibson, Miss. The attack began early on the fol- 
lowing morning. General Osterhaus' Division was engaged 
on the extreme left, at which point the 120th was stationed. 
The position was well and steadily held, and late in the after- 
noon a charge was made, which resulted in the complete dis- 
comfiture and rout of the enemy. Instant pursuit was made, 
but night put an end to the combat, the National troops 
bivouacking on the field of battle. The loss of the 120th in 
this action was one for every eight of the number engaged. 
The 15th and 17th Corps having come up, the whole force was 
pushed forward, capturing Jackson, Raymond, and other 
places of military importance, within the fortnight after the 
battle of Thompson's Hill. 

The I20th remained at Raymond until the i8th of May, 
when it was ordered to the front, and joined the main army on 
the morning of the 19th, after a forced march of 24 hours. 
Captain Eberhart, Lieutenant Wallace, and others of the regi- 
ment were left sick in hospital at Raymond, and were captured 
by the enemy. On the day of the arrival of the regiment 
within the National lines, in the rear of Vicksburg, a deter- 
mined assault was made on the enemy's fortifications, in which 
the 1 20th participated. It also took part in a still more deter- 
mined effort on the 22d of May. The division (Osterhaus') 
remained at Vicksburg, as part of the besieging force, until the 



244 Ohio at Vicksburg 

24th of May when it was ordered to Black river bridge to guard 
against an approach of Rebel forces under General Joe John- 
ston, and remained there until after the fall of Vicksburg. 

On the 6th of July the regiment led the advance of the 13th 
Corps in the expedition against Jackson, Miss., moving along 
the line of railroad between that city and Black river. The 
intrenchments in front of Jackson were reached on the loth of 
July. The 13th Corps formed the right wing of the attacking 
column. The 120th was actively engaged in this attack from 
the day the investment began until the 17th of July, the day 
on which the enemy evacuated the place and retreated across 
the Pearl river. During the investment the regiment was 
under an almost constant fire of artillery ancj infantry. Its 
casualties of officers were Colonel Spiegel and Lieutenant 
Spear severely, and Lieutenant Totten mortally, wounded. 

The regiment returned with the army to Black river bridge, 
arriving there on the 20th of July, and on the 21st was en route 
for Vicksburg, where it went into camp. On the 8th of August 
the 13th Army Corps (now commanded by Major-General 
Ord, a division of which was commanded by General Wash- 
burne, the successor to Osterhaus) left Vicksburg for New 
Orleans, and, after a week's detention at Port Hudson, arrived 
at its destination. The I20th went into camp at CarroUton, a 
suburb of New Orleans, where it remained until the 5th of 
September, when it accompanied the corps to Berwick City, 
and thence to Opelousas, returning to Berwick City on the 9th 
of September. Soon after, the regiment, in company with the 
42d Ohio and 22d Kentucky, under the command of Colonel 
Sheldon, was sent to Plaquemine, a small town on the Missis- 
sippi river, no miles above New Orleans, where it lay in camp 
until the 23d of March, 1864, when it moved up to Baton 
Rouge. 

The "Banks' expedition," as it afterwards was named, 
began to assume proportion. Toward the latter part of April 
the 13th Army Corps was ordered to reenforce General Banks, 
then at Alexandria, and about to move on Shreveport, La. 
On the 1st of May the I20th embarked on the City Belle, with 
orders to report to General McClernand, who had recently 
assumed command of the 13th Corps, at Alexandria. At 4 
p. m., while the transport bearing the 120th was turning a bend 
on Red river, a short distance above Snaggy Point, a body of 



I20TH Ohio Infantry 245 

the enemy, at least 5,000 in number, suddenly rose from a 
concealed position behind the levee, on the south bank of the 
river, and poured a murderous volley into the boat. The 
enemy's batteries also opened on the ill-fated boat, and it 
was almost instantly rendered unmanageable by a shell. 
Colonel Speigel, in command, determined to hold the boat until 
the arrival of the gunboat Monarch, which had convoyed the 
City Belle from the mouth of Red river to Snaggy Point. But 
the odds were too great, and, after a gallant resistance for half 
an hour, the white flag was displayed. Two or three companies 
on the lower deck, not seeing the emblem of surrender, kept 
on firing, which so incensed the enemy that he also renewed 
the fire from both artillery and infantry. The boat, now 
totally unmanageable, floated to the opposite shore from the 
enemy, and a large portion of the regiment jumped ashore and 
escaped over the levee. Others remained on the boat, pre- 
vented from ascending the bank by the rapid firing of the enemy, 
covering the only spot at which the bank could be scaled. 
To prevent further eff'usion of blood, the white flag was again 
displayed and a formal surrender eff^ected. 

Colonel Spiegel, Surgeon Stanton, Assistant-Surgeon Gill, 
Captains J. R. Rummel, Miller, Fraunfelder and Jones, 
Lieutenants Applegate, Baer and Rouch, and 200 men fell into 
the hands of the Rebels, beside the bodies of the killed. The 
gallant Colonel Marcus M. Spiegel was mortally wounded, 
and died on the following morning. The prisoners were at 
once marched off to Camp Ford, near Tyler, Texas. 

After a terrible march, enduring the intense heat, the pangs 
of hunger, and heartless treatment, the wretched captives 
reached Camp Ford on the 21st of May. In this miserable 
prison, they remained over a year, and until the final cessation 
of hostilities in 1865. 

Those who were fortunate enough to escape formed them- 
selves into a battalion of three companies, under Lieutenant- 
Colonel Slocum, coming together for that purpose about one 
mile from the scene of disaster. Recognizing at once the folly 
of attempting to rescue their comrades from captivity, the bat- 
talion resolved to husband the remaining ammunition and use 
it to defend themselves against the guerrilla bands infesting 
the country between them and Alexandria. A fatiguing 
march of 23 hours brought them to Alexandria, where they 



246 Ohio at Vicksburg 

reported to General Banks, were kindly cared for by that 
general and his staff, and furnished with rations, clothing, 
camp equipage and comfortable quarters. This remnant of 
the I20th was assigned to duty on the I2th of May in the divi- 
sion commanded by General Lawler. 

On the 13th of May General Banks began his memorable 
retreat. The 120th, having shared its hardships and priva- 
tions, reached the Mississippi river on the 21st of May, and 
went into camp at Morganza, La., where it remained until the 
23d of August. On that day it started with its division on an 
expedition into eastern Louisiana, and after dispersing a Rebel 
force near Clinton, La., returned to Morganza. 

On the 13th of September the 120th left Morganza again 
and proceeded up the Mississippi to the mouth of White river, 
thence up that river to St. Charles, Ark. On the 21st of October 
General Slack's Brigade, of General McGinnis's Division, to 
which the 120th now belonged, moved up to Duvall's Bluff, 
Ark., and on the 27th returned to the mouth of White river. 
A second expedition was made to Duvall's Bluff, returning to 
the mouth of White river on the 24th of November. 

On the 25th of November an order was issued from the 
headquarters of 19th Army Corps for a permanent consolida- 
tion of the I20th with the 114th Ohio, and carried into effect 
the next day, the 120th forming five companies of the new 
organization. Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly, of the 114th Ohio, 
was made colonel, and Major McKinley, of the 120th, lieu- 
tenant-colonel of the consolidated regiment. The following 
named officers of the 120th rendered supernumerary by the 
consolidation, were honorably discharged: Lieutenant-Colonel 
Slocum, Captains Au, Harvey, Taylor and Jones, and Lieu- 
tenants Van Osteren and Hughes. 

This ended the career of the I20th as a regimental organiza- 
tion. It entered the service in 1862 with 949 officers and men. 
About 150 recruits joined it in 1864, and when merged into the 
114th Ohio, on the 27th day of November, 1864, but 440 of 
the whole number remained. Up to this time the aggregate 
number of killed in action, died of wounds and disease, and 
discharged because of disability, was 600. 

During its term of service this regiment bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 
Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 



2d Ohio Battery 247 

Arkansas Post (Ft. Hindman), Miss. January il, 1863 

Thompson's Hills (Port Gibson), 

Miss May I, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Big Black river bridge, Miss May 17, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-i6> ^^^S 

Transport "City Belle" (near 

Snaggy Point), Red river. La.. May 3, 1864 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 

the 1 20th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Vicksburg 

National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the battle of Port Gibson, May I, 1863, killed 2, 
wounded 18, missing 2, total 22. In the assault. May 19, 
wounded 3. In the assault, May 22, wounded i, and durmg 
the siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in regiment durmg the 
campaign and siege, killed 2, wounded 22, missing 2, total 26." 



T 



2d OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

HE 2d Ohio Independent Battery was organized and 
mustered into the service at Camp Chase, Ohio, on the 
6th of August, 1 86 1. It started on the 15th, under orders, 
to report to Major-General Fremont at St. Louis, Mo. On 
the 1 8th it was dispatched by rail for the relief of Colonel 
Mulligan, at Lexington, Mo., but was disembarked at Jefferson 
City, Mulligan having surrendered. 

While at Jefferson City it received orders (October 4) to 
march toward Springfield. After four days' march through the 
most terrific roads, the battery was halted at Tipton, and 
rested about one week. While lying at Tipton the Secre- 
tary of War, Simon Cameron, and Adjutant-General L. Thomas 
visited and reviewed Fremont's forces. The battery fired a 
salute in honor of these dignitaries. 

The march to Springfield was resumed and contmued 
until Warsaw, on the Osage river, was reached, where, by 



248 Ohio at Vicksburg 

reason of a burned bridge, the whole army was delayed. While 
awaiting the repair of the bridge Captain Carlin took 20 of his 
men, mounted them, crossed the river, and struck out into the 
country for a scout. Seeing some corn standing in the shock he 
halted his men for the purpose of feeding the horses. An old 
dilapidated log cabin stood near, which, on examination, was 
found to be filled with corn-fodder. This feed was preferred 
for the horses, and, in throwing it out, the men discovered, 
secreted under the floor of the cabin, 22 kegs of powder. A 
wagon was procured and the powder taken to headquarters. 
Captain Carlin received from General Fremont a note of 
thanks for this exploit. 

Springfield was reached on the 1st of November, but only 
to find that Price's army had fled. The campaign was ended 
for the winter. The battery returned to Rolla and remained 
there until the 24th of February, 1862. On that day it marched 
once more against Price's Rebel army, and followed him up to 
Pea Ridge, where a battle was fought on the 6th and 7th of 
March. 

The battery was closely engaged in this battle, and lost 
I man killed and 12 wounded. Lieutenant W. B. Chapman 
was badly wounded in this afi^air. It also lost 7 horses killed, 
and a caisson, but in turn captured a caisson from the enemy; 
and, though closely pressed, drew from oflF the field all of its 
pieces in safety. The battery thereafter marched, with General 
Curtis' column, through Arkansas to Helena, on the Mississippi 
river. 

It lay at Helena until January 23, 1863, and then accom- 
panied an expedition up White river to Duvall's Blufi^. Not 
finding the enemy it returned to Helena. 

March 20 the battery left Helena, and was taken by trans- 
ports to the mouth of the Yazoo river, where it joined Grant's 
army, then operating in the rear of Vicksburg. It took part in 
the battles of Black river bridge, Raymond, and Champion's 
Hill, and was on duty until the surrender of Vicksburg. 

The battery was then ordered to report to General Banks, 
commanding the Department of the Gulf, at New Orleans, 
and accompanied the disastrous expedition up Red river. 
Returning, it was stationed at Plaquemine, La., on the Mis- 
sissippi river, where it remained, guarding that point, up to 
February, 1864. 




SECOND BATTERY, ^ 

LIEUT. AUGUSTUS BEACH. ™ 
iZI«DIY.,13!«CaRPS. i 

-V 



3D Ohio Battery 249 

February 23 the battery reenlisted and was thoroughly 
reorganized. It was then ordered to Ship Island, Miss., to 
guard Rebel prisoners, and remained there on that duty until 
July, 1865, when it was ordered to Columbus, Ohio, where it 
was mustered out of the United States service on the 21st of 
July, 1865. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Pea Ridge, Ark March 5-8, 1862 

Port Gibson, Miss May i, 1863 

Raymond, Miss May 12, 1863 

Champion's Hill May 16, 1863 

Red River Expedition March, April and early 

part of May, 1864 
Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

The following inscription appears on the monument of the 
2d Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This battery served with its division until May 24, 1863, 
when it was ordered with the ist Brigade, 9th Division, 13th 
Corps, to Big Black river bridge, and was on duty in and near 
that position until the end of the siege, July 4. 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, 1863, wounded 3. 
In the assault, May 22, sustained no casualties, and during 
the siege not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in battery during the 
campaign and siege, wounded 3." 



3d OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

THE 3d Ohio (otherwise known as Williams') Battery, 
was recruited and organized by Captain W. S. Williams, 
of Canton, Stark County. It left that place in February, 1862. 
The nucleus of this battery consisted of but one gun, which 
was taken to the field in the spring of 1861 by Captain Williams, 
and attached to General J. D. Cox's Division, operating in 



250 Ohio at Vicksburg 

western Virginia. At Charleston, after the fight at Scarey 
Creek, it added another gun by capture from the Rebels, and 
thereafter served throughout the three-months' service. The 
exigencies of the service required it to serve an additional three 
months, and until it could be relieved by other batteries. 

In February, 1862, Captain Williams recruited his battery 
up to 6 guns and 161 men, and again entered the service in 
time to participate in the second day's fighting at Pittsburg 
Landing. Following with the army, it took part in the siege 
and capture of Corinth, where it remained and participated in 
the battles of Corinth and luka, under General Rosecrans. 
In the battle of Corinth it lost i man (private Nicholas Mouse) 
killed and a number wounded. 

In the fall of 1862 it moved with Grant's column on the 
Tallahatchie, toward Jackson, and in the return to Memphis. 
In this campaign the men of the battery suffered from want of 
rations, and were compelled to subsist for some days on parched 
corn and hominy. 

The battery moved with Grant's army to the rear of 
Vicksburg. In this campaign it was a part of Logan's Division, 
and operated with it throughout the siege. On the march to 
Vicksburg it took part in the battles of Raymond, Jackson 
and Champion's Hill, and was in position in the rear of Vicks- 
burg for 46 days, where it lost a number of men from wounds 
and exposure. 

The battery remained at Vicksburg until the movement on 
Meridian was made. It accompanied General Sherman on 
that expedition, and had a heavy artillery fight at Clinton, 
Miss. In this fight it lost 2 men killed and several wounded. 
At Meridian it lost 2 men captured, who subsequently died in 
the prison-pen at Andersonville. Returning to Vicksburg the 
battery performed duty in that place until the spring of 1864. 

In April, 1864, the battery went on transports to Cairo, 
under orders to join General Sherman's army, then preparing 
for the Atlanta campaign. Passing up the Ohio and Tennes- 
see rivers, it landed at a point on the last-named river, and 
marched across the country to Huntsville, Ala. Thence it 
went to Rome, Ga., and joined Sherman's army at Big Shanty. 
At this time it was in the 17th Corps, then commanded by 
General Frank P. Blair, and operated with it at Kenesaw 
Mountain and Nickajack Creek. On the 22d of July, at 



3D Ohio Battery 251 

Leggett's Bald Knob, it was engaged from 1 1 o'clock in the 
morning until sundown. In this affair it lost i man killed, 
2 wounded, and 2 captured. One of its guns was captured by 
the Rebels, but was recaptured in 15 minutes. 

The next fight in which the battery was engaged was at 
Jonesboro'. The Rebels were driven from that point and 
pursued to Lovejoy's Station. Atlanta having fallen they re- 
turned to that place, and remained there until the dash of 
Hood's army to the rear of the National lines. 

The battery followed Hood's forces up to Nashville and 
aided in its defense. From Nashville it was transferred to 
Fort Donelson. After remaining there some months it w^as 
ordered to Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, for muster out, 
which was effected August i, 1865. 

During its service the battery lost the following named 
men: Sergeant Chalmer Peterson, killed at Vicksburg, March 
30, 1864; Corporal Jas. M. Whittaker, Clinton, Miss., March 
26, 1864; Corporal Henry Wendling, Nashville, Tenn., Nov- 
ember 28, 1864; John Aker, July 22, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga.; 
Charles Allen, at New Garden, April 21, 1864; Abraham Best, 
August 4, 1864; Charles L. Davis, Mound City, May 17, 1864; 
Henry Gorby, Rome, Ga., August 31, 1864; William Junkins, 
at Andersonville prison, Ga., September 12, 1864; Joseph 
Keckley, Marietta, Ga., August 25, 1864; Alex. Mcintosh, 
Atlanta, Ga., September 22, 1864; Adam Miller, Vicksburg, 
Miss., April 4, 1864; Joseph Neeley, Rome, Ga., August 19, 
1864; Samuel Ness, on board steamer Emperor, December i, 
1864; Jacob Rea, Huntsville, Ala.; Gilmore Rae, Jefferson 
Barracks, Mo., March 20, 1864; Austin Vanderhoef, Rome. 
Ga., August 20, 1864; Samuel Black, Vicksburg, Miss., 
April 4, 1864; Corporal Robinson Supernick, Bolivar, Tenn., 
August 31, 1862; Peter Leigh, January 17, 1863, at Moscow, 
Tenn.; John Stevens, Newton J. Burnet, Jacob Barnett, 
Samuel Butz, September 5, 1863; Marcus Burnet, April 2, 
1863; Levi Brandebury, August 25, 1863; Nathan Dawson, 
Corinth, Miss., July 16, 1862; George Evans, October 31, 1862; 
Michael Fitzpatrick, August 17, 1863; Solomon Foutz, October 
16, 1863; Oliver Hunt, Corinth, Miss., May 10, 1862; Joseph 
Hooser, June 22, 1862; Benjamin Hackthorn, September i, 
1863; Lester Kern, April 10, 1862; Wm. Koonse, January 17, 
1863; Alfred Loutzenheiser, October 8, 1863; John May, 



252 Ohio at Vicksburg 

August 15, 1863; Nicholas Mouse, at Corinth; George Morse, 
October 10, 1863; John McDougall, September 26, 1863; 
Gustavus Pepin, June 27, 1862; Joseph Rhoads, December 
15, 1863; Fred Reinhart; Benj. Riggle, June 14, 1862; John 
Siege, August 29, 1863; Wm. Speakman, September 17, 1863; 
William Troxell, June 6, 1862; John Troxell, Reuben Thomas, 
June 2, 1862; Wm.Wickard, October 8, 1863; George Zollars, 
October 26, 1863. 

Captain Williams left the service November 11, 1864, at 
the expiration of his commission. The men of his command 
presented him a fine gold-mounted saber, belt and sash. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 7, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (siege of) April 30 to May 30, 1862 

Corinth, Miss October 3, 4, 1862 

luka, Miss September 19, 20, 1862 

Raymond, Miss May 12, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Clinton, Miss February 5, 1864 

Meridian, Miss February 14, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Nickajack Creek, Ga July 2-5, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 21 to Sept. 2, 1864 

Jonesboro', Ga Aug. 31 and Sept. i, 1864 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 3d Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, in Vicks- 
burg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This battery was present and served with its division in 
the engagements at Raymond, May 12, 1863. In the battle of 
Champion's Hill, May 16. In the assault. May 19. In the 
assault, May 22, and during the siege with no reported casualties. 

"It fired 3,521 rounds of ammunition during the siege.'* 



4TH Ohio Battery 253 



4th OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

THE 4th Ohio Independent Battery was organized at 
Cincinnati, August 2, 186 1, by Captain Lewis Hoffman, 
and mustered into the United States service August 17, 1861. 
Under orders it left Cincinnati on the 18th, and reported at 
St. Louis, Mo., on the 2ist of August. While in camp near 
the city the battery was supplied with a complete equipment 
of James' rifled guns, caissons, horses, etc. 

September 30 it went by railroad to Jefferson City; thence 
to Sedalia; and on the 13th of October marched with General 
Sigel's Division, and was with that division in all its wanderings 
up to Springfield, passing through Warsaw and over the Osage 
river. Springfield was occupied on the morning of the 13th 
of February, 1862, Price's forces having evacuated the place 
during the night. The battery joined in the pursuit of the 
enemy, and continued it until the 20th of February, having 
repeated engagements with the Rebel rear guard. The 
Rebels having escaped over the Boston Mountains, near 
Bentonville, Ark., the pursuit was abandoned, and the battery 
commenced its return march. While passing through Benton- 
ville the rear guard of the National forces was attacked. The 
battery was ordered to take position in an open field, so as to 
control the main road, over which the troops were passing. 
This duty was so efiiciently performed as to compel the enemy 
to abandon his design and uncover the road. The column 
then marched in good order to Sugar Creek. March 7 the 
battery was ordered to advance with Colonel Osterhaus' 
Division on the Leetown Road, the enemy having, during the 
night, formed a strong line across the Telegraph Road, cutting 
off the line of retreat; and being brought into position, opened 
vigorously on the enemy. The battle raged from 10 o'clock 
a. m. until nearly dark, when the enemy fell back and con- 
centrated his entire force against the right wing of the National 
forces. Again the battle commenced, but the enemy, being 
placed under a crossfire of all the batteries of the division, he 
was compelled to give up the contest and retreat. The 4th 



254 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Ohio Battery, during this terrible fight, was in an exposed 
position, and received the fiire of all the enemy's batteries. 
It lost 4 men and i caisson by capture, 3 men wounded, and i 
horse killed. Thus was fought the battle of Pea Ridge, one of 
the fiercest engagements of the war. 

The National forces, under General Curtis, including the 
4th Ohio Battery, took up the line of march for Helena, Ark., on 
the Mississippi river. This march was a most arduous one, 
made, as it was, over the most wretched roads, obstructed by 
the enemy in every possible W3.y. The march vv^as com- 
menced on the I2th of March, and ended at Helena, July 14, 
1862. The weather was excessively hot, and water so scarce 
as not to be found, sometimes for an entire day. 

On August 16 the battery accompanied an expedition down 
the Mississippi river on transports, under command of Colonel 
C. R. Woods. It landed at Milliken's Bend and captured the 
Rebel steamer Fair Play, filled with arms and ammunition, 
and bound for Little Rock, Ark., as supplies for Price's army. 
August 21 at the same place the camp of the 31st Louisiana 
Rebel Infantry was surprised and its entire equipment captured. 
Pursuing the flying Rebels a short distance inland, a railroad 
depot and several cars, filled with supplies, were destroyed. 

The battery returned to Helena on the 27th of August, 
and remained in camp during all of September, October 7 
it was brought up the river to St. Genevieve, Mo., was at Pilot 
Knob on the 17th, where it remained in camp until November 
II. It then returned to St. Genevieve and embarked on 
steamers for Helena. Landing opposite that place, Novem- 
ber 23, it was taken to Camp Steele, Miss., and remained there 
until December 19, when it joined General Sherman's expedi- 
tion against Vicksburg, and took a prominent part in the assault 
on the enemy's works at Chickasaw Bayou. The battery was 
also engaged in the attack and capture of Arkansas Post, 
January 11, 1863. It was in a very exposed position, and had 
one of its guns disabled by a solid shot from one of the enemy's 
siege guns. 

On January 29 the battery was in position at Perkins' plan- 
tation. La., guarding the Mississippi river against transports 
passing up to Vicksburg. The high water drove it further 
down (to Ballard's farm), where it remained performing duty 
up to April 2. It was then taken to Greenville, where it took 



4TH Ohio Battery 255 

care of the enemy until April 26. On that day it embarked on 
steamers, and arrived at Milliken's Bend the next day. May 
2 the battery, under Leiutenant George Froehlich, left the Bend, 
marched to a point opposite Grand Gulf, and, crossing the river, 
bivouacked in that place for the night. 

On May 8 the battery left Grand Gulf with the National 
army, and took part in all the engagements of the march to the 
rear of Vicksburg. It was also very efficient in the siege of 
Vicksburg, and remained in its position until the surrender of 
that place to General Grant, July 4, 1863. 

On July 5 the battery was sent, with other troops, to look 
after General Johnston's Rebel forces at Jackson, Miss. It 
took position before that place, 850 yards from the enemy's 
rifle-pits, and fired 451 rounds at the doomed place. Jack- 
son was evacuated on the night of July 16. September 22 
found the battery again in Vicksburg. September 28 it was at 
Memphis, Tenn. While marching up the levee a caisson 
exploded, killing privates Henry Eggemayer, George Schaub, 
and Nicholas Markowitz. 

On October i the battery left Memphis for Corinth, 
arriving there the same night. October 9 it went to luka, and 
on the 20th was in the engagement at that place. It was also in 
several other sharp fights about this date. October 30 it 
marched to Chickasaw, on the Tennessee river, arriving there 
on the night of the 31st. It crossed the river November 2, and, 
passing through Florence, Pulaski, Fayetteville, New Market, 
Maysville, Woodville, Larkinsville, and Bellefonte, reached 
Bridgeport, November 20. It marched to Shellmound on the 
2 1st, and to Whitesides on the 22d. Chattanooga was reached 
on the afternoon of the 23d, where it joined the balance of the 
15th Army Corps. 

On November 24 the division to which the battery be- 
longed (General Osterhaus') was ordered to join General 
Hooker in his operations against Lookout Mountain. In 
this affair the battery performed efficient service. Immediately 
after the battle it crossed Lookout Mountain, and advanced 
toward Mission Ridge, which was occupied during the day, 
and camped there until December 3. While here, by order of 
General Grant, two of the six-pound James rifled guns were 
exchanged for four 12-pound field guns of the celebrated 
"Ferguson Battery," captured from the enemy at Mission 
Ridee. 



256 Ohio at Vicksburg 

After marching to and fro during the month of December 
the battery went into camp at Larkinsville, Ala., and remained 
there during the rest of the year. 

The battery was moved from Larkinsville to Woodville, 
Ala., the latter part of December, 1863, and arrived at Wood- 
ville January i, 1864. It remained in camp at this place until 
April 30, 1864. 

It is proper to remark here that Captain Lewis Hoffman 
had been in command of the battery since May 2, 1863, the 
date of the resignation of Captain George Froelich. 

On May i, 1864, the battery, in company with the ist 
Division of the 15th Army Corps, left Woodville for Atlanta, 
and by the 13th was before Resaca. All of its guns were 
placed in position and used on the enemy's works. In this 
affair 2 men (Jacobs and Nagel) were wounded, the latter 
mortally. The enemy having evacuated Resaca, the battery 
marched to Dallas, arriving at that place May 25. On that 
day the enemy made a desperate charge, coming within 50 
yards of the battery and within 15 yards of the National rifle- 
pits. The battery repulsed the Rebels with heavy loss. Colo- 
nel Taylor, chief of artillery, was wounded in this affair. 

On June 4 the battery was at New Hope Church, where, 
during the night, it fired 136 rounds. Passing through Ac- 
worth, and over Lost Mountain, it was, on the ■12th of June, 
in position before Kenesaw Mountain, and for some days 
bombarded the enemy's position. June 27 General Sherman 
ordered a charge on the enemy's works, which resulted in heavy 
loss to both parties, and caused the Rebels to evacuate the 
mountain. 

The battery then marched to Marietta, Ga., and went 
into camp. July 4 it was ordered to take position on the right 
flank of the army, and by the night of July 8 was behind 
intrenchments near Atlanta. During the night of the 9th 
the enemy left this position and crossed the Chattahoochie 
river. The battery was then taken back to Marietta, arriving 
there July 12, and by the 14th was at Rossville, on the bank of 
the Chattahoochie river, where it rebuilt a bridge burnt by the 
Rebels. 

On July 22, near Decatur, the enemy made a determined 
charge on the 15th Army Corps. 2 men of the battery (Burk- 
hard and Helwig) were wounded, and 4 twenty-pound Parrott 




y/ 







4TH Ohio Battery 257 

guns, of DeGniy's Illinois Battery, fell into the hands of the 
enemy. The 4th Ohio Battery immediately changed position, 
killed the horses of the battery captured by the Rebels, and 
compelled them to abandon the guns of the Illinois Battery 
and fall back in disorder, leaving many of their number dead 
upon the field. 

On July 24 the battery destroyed five miles of railroad 
from Decatur to Atlanta, and on the 27th was in position at the 
outposts on the right flank of the National army. During the 
memorable battle on the 28th of July, near Atlanta in v^hich the 
Rebel army made a charge in mass, the battery was for some 
time in a critical position, but, by determined fighting, was 
extricated without loss. Fighting was continued up to August 
12, 1864, the battery being under fire for the most part of the 
time. 

The three years' term of service for which the battery 
enlisted having expired, it was relieved on the battleground, 
August 14, by infantry, and by the 23d of August had reached 
Cincinnati, where (on the 29th) it was mustered out of the 
service, and the remaining recruits, whose term of service had 
not expired, consolidated with the loth Ohio Battery. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Bentonville, Ark March 6, 1862 

Leetown, Ark March 7, 1862 

Pea Ridge, Ark March 8, 1862 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 

Arkansas Post (Ft. Hindman) January 11, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9 to 16, 1863 

Cherokee, Ala October 21, 1863 

Tuscumbia,^Ala October 26, 1863 

Lookout Mountain, Tenn November 24, 1863 

Resaca, Ga May 13-16, 1864 

Dallas, Ga May 25, 1864 

New Hope Church, Ga June 4, 1864 

Kenesaw^ Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Decatur, Ga July 22, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to August 12, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga September i, 1864 



258 Ohio at Vicksburg 

The following inscription appears on the monument of the 
4th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This battery was present with its division, and took 
part in the assaults May 19 and May 22, and served during 
the siege with no reported casualties." 



5th OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

THIS battery of light artillery, which afterward became the 
5th Ohio, was recruited by authority of Major-General 
Fremont, then in command in Missouri. Three weeks of 
active recruiting, principally in Hamilton, Wayne, Mercer and 
Jackson Counties filled the battery to a maximum of 170 men, 
who had been forwarded to St. Louis as fast as enlisted. Some 
delay occurring in the receipt of commissions from General 
Fremont, whose authority to issue them was somewhat doubt- 
ful, the officers were at length commissioned by the Governor 
of Ohio; and on the 22d of September, 1861, the battery was 
organized as the 5th Independent Ohio Battery of Volunteer 
Light Artillery. 

Before armament, clothing, or other essentials could be 
procured General Fremont and his forces had started on the 
march, which terminated at Springfield with the removal of the 
general from command; and on the nth of October the com- 
pany was ordered to Jefferson City. A period of three months 
now elapsed, passed by the men in doing garrison duty, work- 
ing on fortifications, and drilling with some old iron guns 
found at the post, and by the captain in vain efforts to procure 
guns and equipments. At last, upon his personal application 
to the Governor of Ohio, a full battery, with all necessary 
adjuncts, was furnished. It arrived January 17, 1862. The 
six pieces consisted of four six-pounder James rifles and two 
six-pounder smooth-bores. On March 7, 1862, the battery 
shipped on a steamer at Jefferson City and proceeded direct to 
Savannah, Tenn., and thence to Pittsburg Landing, disem- 
barking at the latter point on the 19th. On the 5th of April 
it joined the command of General Prentiss (6th Division, 



5TH Ohio Battery 259 

Army of the Tennessee), camped about two and a half miles 
from the river, and not far from Shilqh Church. On the fol- 
lowing morning, while the men were at breakfast, a section 
(two pieces) was ordered out by General Prentiss, and as soon 
as possible was placed in position, by the general in person, a 
few hundred yards in advance of the camp. The captain, 
anticipating an order to that effect, had the rest of the battery 
prepared, and in a few minutes joined the first section. The 
infantry support had scarcely been placed in position when the 
enemy appeared in force. To the right of the battery their 
line was in advance of the rest, and General Prentiss ordered 
the battery to change front to the right. This was done, but 
it exposed the left flank to a close fire of the enemy, which 
killed many horses and rendered it difficult to manage the rest. 
The infantry support melted swiftly away, and two pieces were 
unavoidably left in the hands of the enemy. The others 
retired through the woods slowly, firing as they fell back, and 
fighting for some time almost literally without , any support. 
The battery was then ordered further back, and was for a 
short time out of the line of battle. Soon after noon it took 
a position further to the right, under General Sherman, and 
was actively engaged through the remainder of that hard- 
fought day. The next day, not being in condition to pursue 
the enemy, from lack of horses to replace those killed, etc., it 
was not engaged. The battery lost in this, its first battle, I 
man killed and 20 wounded (including Lieutenant Burton), 
2 pieces, 4 caissons, 65 horses, and all camp and garrison 
equipage. 

On the 14th of April Captain Hickenlooper was appointed 
chief of artillery on the staff of Brigadier-General McKean. 
Subsequently filling different positions of enlarged usefulness, 
he was never again in command of the battery. 

About the middle of September the battery, with its divi- 
sion, marched to luka, but was not in position to take part in 
the action. Having returned to Corinth, the division moved 
out a short distance, on the 3d of October, to meet the advance 
of the Rebel forces, then approaching under Van Dorn and 
Price, and the same night returned to the line of works around 
Corinth, when the battery took up position immediately on the 
left of the earthwork known as Fort Phillips. The next day 
the battery was actively engaged. It suffered no loss, however. 



26o Ohio at Vicksburg 

from the fact that the main attack of the enemy on that part of 
the line was directed against Forts Phillips and Robinett, on 
its right, which they assaulted repeatedly with great fury. 
The next morning the battery moved, with the rest of General 
Rosecrans' army, in pursuit, as far as Ripley, when, Corinth 
being threatened by Rebel forces from the east side, the army 
returned there. 

General Grant now organized a force to move down into 
Mississippi by land, to operate against Vicksburg; and in a few. 
days the entire army at Corinth, except sufficient to garrison 
the place, moved westward, the 6th Division stopping for the 
time at Grand Junction, Tenn. 

In the meantime Lieutenant Burton, having partially 
recovered from the wound received at Pittsburg Landing, 
had recruited 40 men for the battery at Cincinnati, and was 
about to start with them for the command, when the advance 
of Kirby Smith began to threaten the city. The lieutenant 
tendered the services of himself and men to General Lew. 
Wallace, commanding, and was assigned to the service of the 
guns at Fort Mitchell, an earthwork, two and a half miles 
south of Covington, Ky. The heavy guns in the fort were soon 
mounted and a short supply of ammunition procured for them, 
after some search, in Cincinnati. 

On the 24th of September Lieutenant Burton was ordered 
to organize a light battery with his own recruits and 65 of the 
9th Ohio Battery, under Lieutenant Rundell, who were ordered 
to report to him. Four light twelve-pounder guns, with every- 
thing necessary, were drawn, and the battery, when complete, 
was assigned to the division of General G. Clay Smith. Shortly 
afterward all available troops started from Covington toward 
Lexington, under command of General A. J. Smith, too late, 
however, to take part in any of the fighting in central Kentucky, 
or to come up with Humphrey Marshall, then retreating west- 
ward. The march to Lexington was made by a wide circuit 
to the west, and was very fatiguing. At Lexington Lieutenant 
Burton was ordered to turn the guns and all other property 
of the temporary battery (the emergency having passed which 
caused its organization) over to the 9th Ohio, which had 
arrived there, and to proceed with his men to his own battery 
in Mississippi. On the i ith of November he joined and took 
command of the 5th at Grand Junction, Tenn. 



5TH Ohio Battery 261 

Two twelve-pounder howitzers were now added to the 
battery, making six pieces in all once more; and soon after it 
was transferred from McArthur's 6th to McKean's 4th Division, 
Army of the Tennessee, part of the command of General Mc- 
Pherson, then at La Grange, Tenn. On the next day it started 
on the march, with the rest of General Grant's army, south- 
ward into Mississippi, and reached Holly Springs on the 29th. 
From there slow progress was made, owing to so large a body 
of troops moving on one narrow road, and to the fact that the 
cavalry was constantly skirmishing with the enemy in the 
advance.' On the I2th of December the battery went into camp 
on Yocana Creek, eleven miles south of Oxford, which was the 
turning point of its march, though the cavalry went some 
distance further. The surrender of Holly Springs, and the loss 
of an immense quantity of commissary and other stores there, 
compelled the army to fall back, and the men were at once put 
on three-quarter, and soon on half rations. Christmas found 
the battery camped a short distance above the Tallahatchie 
river, the men entirely out of regular rations, and dependmg 
on the country for meat, and on the few mills of the neighbor- 
hood, which were being operated by our troops, for a scanty 
supply of corn meal. 

On the 5th of January, 1863, the division marched to 
Holly Springs, and remained until the loth, forming the rear 
guard of the army. During the entire march, both going 
south and returning, the destruction of property by fire was 
immense. Everything that would burn was consumed — houses, 
barns, cotton-presses, negro-quarters, and fences were all 
destroyed, excepting dwellings that were occupied. Occasion- 
ally the battery was obliged to turn off into fields to avoid the 
burning fences, which fell in the road, and rendered it un- 
advisable to drive over them with chests of ammunition; but 
the climax was reached at Holly Springs the night before the 
last troops left it on the return. Notwithstanding the efforts 
of officers and of the provost guard, the largest portion of the 
town was destroyed, and it must have been a night of terror to 
the women and children in the place. 

From Holly Springs the division, commanded by General 
J. G. Lauman, marched to Moscow, Tenn., and the battery 
remained at that place, assisting in guarding the Memphis and 
Charleston Railroad, until March 8, when it proceeded to 



262 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Memphis. Two months of inaction occurred here, which 
were used to good advantage in drilling; and when orders were 
received, on the 17th of May, to embark for Vicksburg, the 
battery was in the best possible condition, the men in excellent 
health, and thoroughly drilled; horses looking well, and 
appointments complete. 

On the passage down the river the fleet of transports was 
fired into at Friar's Point by guerrillas, with artillery, on the 
Mississippi shore, and a number of soldiers were killed and 
wounded. In retaliation, the troops landed and burned the 
village of Greenville. 

The division disembarked at Haines' BlufF, on Yazoo 
river, and took position on the heights to meet an expected 
attack from General Jos. Johnston's forces, which, however, 
was not made. After remaining here for some days the divi- 
sion was ordered to the extreme left of the forces besieging 
Vicksburg, and was assigned to the 13th Army Corps, General 
McClernand commanding. On the 1st of June the battery 
took position in the siege proper, and was not again off duty till 
the end of the siege. After some days a forty-two-pounder 
rifle and an eight-inch smooth-bore gun, captured from the 
Rebels at Warrenton, were brought up and put into position, 
and were worked by the batter}^ throughout the siege, in 
addition to its own guns. The position it held was on a prom- 
inent hill rather in advance of the general line, and the view 
was uninterrupted for several miles to the right. About 3,000 
rounds of ammunition were fired by the battery during the siege. 
A number of the men were wounded, more or less severely, as 
the siege progressed, but none were killed outright. On the 
morning of July 4 white flags were put up on the Rebel works 
in token of surrender, and in two hours afterward the battery 
was under orders to march in pursuit of General Johnston. 
Leaving the works in which it had been so long and actively 
engaged, preparations were at once made for the march. 

The first day's march from Vicksburg was the most intense- 
ly hot, dusty, and exhausting the battery had probably ever 
experienced, though the distance traveled was only ten miles. 
The expedition was under command of General Sherman, and 
consisted of the 13th (now Ord's), 15th and 9th Army Corps. 
Jackson was reached on the nth, and the lines were formed 
around it, the flanks resting on Pearl river, above and below 



5TH Ohio Battery . 263 

the town. The 4th Division was placed on the extreme right. 
On the next morning a demonstration by the whole line was 
made on the enemy's works, but no assault was ordered. 
The battery was posted on an eminence, and kept up a steady 
fire for some time, when two pieces were ordered to an advanced 
position; and subsequently the other four were ordered up, the 
whole supported by the 3d Iowa and the 41st and 53d Illinois 
Infantry. The little brigade was exposed to a tremendous 
fire at short range from the enemy's works, but the infantry 
pressed forward and attempted an assault. No other troops 
but those named were within supporting distance; and, having 
lost half their number killed and wounded in a few minutes, 
they were compelled to fall back. The battery lost i killed 
and 8 wounded. Of the 800 infantry engaged, 404 were killed 
and wounded, including a large proportion of the officers. 
General Lauman was at once placed under arrest by General 
Ord for disobedience of orders in making the assault; but it is 
probable that the infantry advanced impetuously without direct 
orders. 

The morning of Friday, July 17, found Jackson evacuated 
by the Rebels, and it was at once occupied by our troops, who 
did not pursue General Johnston any further. Nearly all the 
large buildings in the place had been burned at its former 
occupation, previous to the siege of Vicksburg, and the work 
was now completed. The capitol, penitentiary, and two or 
three other large buildings were, however, spared, through the 
watchfulness of the provost guard, which was at once established. 
Four days afterward the march back to Vicksburg was com- 
menced, and concluded on the 24th, without incident. 

The battery was now ordered to report at Helena, Ark., 
and, embarking on a steamer, it reached that place July 29 
and disembarked. The troops with which it was thence- 
forward associated were then styled the Army of Arkansas, 
and were subsequently recognized as the 7th Army Corps, 
Major-General F. Steele commanding. On the 13th of Sep- 
tember an expedition, composed of all the troops which had 
been concentrated at Helena, started into the interior with the 
intention of capturing and occupying Little Rock. There 
was much sickness among the troops, and the battery suffered 
very severely. Fourteen men had died before Little Rock 
was reached, and at one time, at Duvall's Bluff, there were 



264 Ohio at Yicksburg 

but two well men in the command. The Rebels attempted to 
make a stand at Little Rock, and a slight engagement took 
place there. The 5th Ohio and other batteries took position 
on the north bank of the Arkansas river, opposite the city, and 
engaged the attention of the enemy by a fire of shell, while a 
force of cavalry crossed some distance below and advanced 
rapidly upon the town. Thus flanked, the enemy retreated in 
great haste, and General Steele's headquarters were soon 
established in the place. 

A period of much-needed rest now occurred, during which 
the number of the battery was brought up to its proper standard 
by the arrival of recruits from Ohio. It formed a part of the 
Army of Occupation of Arkansas, and of the garrison of Little 
Rock, for the remainder of its term of service, the quiet of 
which was broken only by a march in April to Pine Bluff and 
some distance south of that place to reenforce General Steele's 
expedition, then returning from Camden, and two other marches 
in August, 1864, in pursuit of a force of Rebels under Shelby. 
One or two pieces were also frequently sent as guard on trans- 
ports going to Fort Smith. 

On the 20th of September those of the original members 
of the battery who were left, with the exception of 15 who had 
reenlisted as veterans, were mustered out and returned home. 
The battery was then remustered into service for a new term, 
and the arrival of more recruits shortly afterward restored it to 
nearly its original strength. Lieutenant T. Kates having been 
commissioned captain, went on duty as such, but was subse- 
quently mustered out by special order of the War Department, 
his appointment being deemed irregular, and Captain Hicken- 
looper's name was again taken up on the rolls. 

Nothing further of note occurred until the 31st of July, 
1865, when, the war being over, and its services no longer 
required, the entire battery was mustered out and ceased to 
exist. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (siege of) April 30 to May 30, 1862 

luka, Miss Sept. 19, 20, 1862 

Corinth, Miss October 3, 4, 1862 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 



7TH Ohio Battery 265 

Jackson, Miss July 9-i6, 1863 

Little Rock, Ark Sept. 10, 1863 

The following inscription appears on the monument ot 
the 5th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

*'This battery served with its division on the mvestment 
line from May 25, 1863, until the end of the siege, July 4, with 
no reported casualties." 



7th OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

THIS battery was recruited in the county of Meigs, Ohio, 
by Captain S. A. Burnap. It was organized at Camp 
Dennison, and was mustered into the United States service 
January i, 1862. On March 13, 1862, it received its arms 
and equipments, and on the i8th of the same month it marched 
to Cincinnati. It was there placed in cars and taken to St. 
Louis, with orders to report to General Halleck. 

On April 6 it received orders to report to General Grant 
at Pittsburg Landing, and on the same day went on board the 
steamer Edward Walsh, bound for that place. On April 11 
it disembarked at Pittsburg Landing and reported to General 

Grant. , 

On April 20 the battery was assigned to General bherman s 
5th Division, of General Grant's army. On April 26 20 men 
of the 13th Ohio Battery were transferred to the 7th, the first- 
named battery being disbanded by order of General Hurlbut. 
On April 28 the advance on Corinth, Miss., was com- 
menced, and the 7th moved with the army until the evacuation 

of that place. t^- • • 

Having been transferred to Hurlbut's 4th Division, the 
battery marched with it to Grand Junction, by the way of 
Big Hatchie. It was quartered at Lagrange, Tenn., for about 
one week, and then marched to Coldwater, where it had a 
skirmish with the enemy. It then returned to Lagrange, 
and thereafter marched to Memphis, Tenn., arriving at the 
last-named place on July 21, 1862. 

While at Memphis it made several reconnoissances, and 
remained up to September 6. It then marched to Bolivar, 



266 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Tenn., where it arrived on the i6th of September. On a 
reconnoissance to Lagrange it came in contact with a large 
force of the Rebels, under Van Dorn and Price, and but for 
its rapid marching would have been overwhelmed. 

On October 4 the battery marched with its division to 
the relief of Corinth, then heavily pressed by the enemy. On 
this march the Rebels, in superior force, were met at the Big 
Hatchie and routed. In this affair a Rebel battery was cap- 
tured; and, in consideration of the gallantry of the 7th Ohio 
Battery, it was presented by General Hurlbut with two of the 
captured guns. 

On December 12 the battery was at Yocona, Miss., below 
Coldwater and Holly Springs, having marched with General 
Grant's column to that place. The Rebels having captured 
Holly Springs, the troops were compelled to fall back to Mem- 
phis. 

On May 13, 1863, the battery was taken on transports 
to Young's Point, opposite Vicksburg, and thence it sailed up 
the Yazoo river and encamped at Haines' Bluff. From this 
point it marched to a position in the rear of Vicksburg, on the 
Warrenton Road, where it was relieved by General Herron's 
forces. It was then placed on the Hall's Ferry Road, and 
remained until the surrender of the city. 

On the evening of July 4 the battery marched with Sher- 
man's command to Jackson, Miss., arriving there on the 7th. 
It took position in Lauman's Division, on the extreme right, 
and held it until the evacuation of the place. 

On July 24 the battery returned to Vicksburg and on 
August 12 was taken on transports to Natchez, Miss. Several 
reconnoissances were made from this place, and there were 
some skirmishes with the enemy. It remained at Natchez 
until November 11, and then returned to Vicksburg. 

On the 1st of December the battery was at Camp Heborn, 
near Black river bridge, in the rear of Vicksburg. In the latter 
part of January, 1864, it accompanied General Sherman on 
his raid to Meridian. On this expedition the battery had several 
sharp encounters with the enemy — at Baker's Creek, February 
3, and at Ricker's Run. It returned to its old camp at Heborn, 
and shortly afterward was moved into Vicksburg. 

22 men of the battery had reenlisted on the ist of January, 
and had been home on furlough. 



7TH Ohio Battery 267 

On May 7, 1864, the battery had a fight with the enemy 
at Benton, Miss., losing Phersilius Austin, killed. In this 
fight the battery dismounted two of the enemy's guns and 
disabled a third. Several of the enemy were killed. 

On May 22 it reached Vicksburg, and from that tmie 
until January 3, 1865, was attached to the post and defenses 
of Vicksburg. On January 6, 1865, Captain S. A. Burnap 
and 51 men were mustered out of the service by reason ot 
expiration of term of enlistment. 

On January 3, 1865, the guns of the battery and equip- 
ments were turned over, the men provided with muskets, and 
placed on duty as infantry at Jackson. On January 16 a 
sergeant with a detail often men, went out on a scout to a point 
36 miles from Jackson, and captured a piece of artillery which 
had been hid in the woods by the Rebels. The men of the 
battery also did infantry service at Hazelhurst, on the Jackson 
and New Orleans Railroad. This duty was continued until 

July, 1865. 

The battery then returned to Jackson, Miss., thence to 
Vicksburg, and home to Camp Dennison, where it was mustered 
out, paid off and discharged. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Cornith, Miss, (siege of) April 30 to May 30, 1862 

Big Hatchie river, Miss October 5, 1862 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July Q-i^, 1^63 

Baker's Creek, Miss February 3-5, 1864 

Benton, Miss May 7, 1864 

The following inscription appears on the monument ot 
the 7th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This battery served with its division on the investment 
line from May 25, 1863, until the end of the siege, July 4, with 
no reported casualties." 



Ohio at Vicksburg 



8th OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

THE 8th Ohio Independent Battery was recruited in the 
counties of Montgomery, Darke and Miami, and organ- 
ized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, March lo, 1862. March 22 
it moved, under orders, to Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, 
Mo., and on its arrival there reported to General Halleck, 
commanding at that post. Without going into quarters the 
battery was placed on transports and ordered to report to 
General Grant, at Savannah, on the Tennessee river. 

On March 28 it arrived at Savannah, and, without land- 
ing, proceeded on up the river, and reported to General W. T. 
Sherman, at Pittsburg Landing. It went into camp a short 
distance from the landing, where it remained until the com- 
mencement of the battle, on the 6th of April. 

In both days of the battle the battery fought with General 
Sherman's Division, and was, on several occasions, in close 
contest with the enemy, and in the charge made by the Rebels 
in mass, on Sunday evening, was within a few paces of their 
advanced skirmish line. The loss of the battery in this battle 
was one killed. Sergeant Leonard Ullery, of Greenville, and 
three wounded. 

In the advance on Corinth the battery moved with Lew. 
Wallace's Brigade, of the 2d Division, occupying the extreme 
right of the division. Marching by day, and erecting fortifica- 
tions at night, it reached a point within two miles of Corinth. 
Discovering that the town was evacuated it entered that place 
with Halleck's forces. 

Resting on its arms it remained in Corinth about three 
hours, and was then ordered to march with General Grant's 
column to Memphis, Tenn., which place was reached June 17, 
1862. The battery remained in Memphis, engaged in fre- 
quent scouts and skirmishes, until December 20, 1862. On 
that day it started with General Sherman's command for 
Vicksburg, Miss., and on the 27th of December took part in 
the disastrous repulse of the National forces, under General 
Sherman, at Chickasaw Bayou. It remained in this critical 



8th Ohio Battery 269 

position from Saturday until Thursday, exposed to the enemy's 
fire during all of that time. January i, 1863, it retreated with 
the army to the transports, and made its way to the Mississippi 
river. 

On January 6, 1863, the battery joined the expedition 
against Arkansas Post, and took a prominent part in that 
successful affair. 

Young's Point was its next rendezvous, where it went into 
camp, and remained until the opening of General Grant's 
campaign against, and in the rear of, Vicksburg. In that 
campaign it participated in the battles of Grand Gulf, Black 
river bridge, Raymond, Champion's Hill and in the rear of 
Vicksburg. For this service the battery received the special 
thanks of Generals Grant and Sherman. It operated on the 
extreme right of the National line in General Steele's Division 
of the I'^th Army Corps, and used thirty-pound Parrott guns, 
the heaviest pieces on the line. 

After the surrender of Vicksburg the battery was sent to 
Jackson, Miss., to help look after the Rebel forces under 
General Johnston. That matter settled, it returned to Vicks- 
burg, where it went into barracks, and remained until Decem- 
ber, 1863. It then accompanied General Sherman on his 
Meridian expedition. Returning to Vicksburg the battery 
was placed on duty in the city, where it remained, with occasion- 
al expeditions to the interior, until December, 1864. 

December 22, 1864, it accompanied an expedition to the 
central part of Mississippi, to destroy the Central Mississippi 
Railroad, and prevent reenforcerrtents from reaching General 
Hood, who was then on his retreat from Nashville. 40 miles 
of track, 3 locomotives, and 40 cars, loaded with Confederate 
cotton and corn, were destroyed. A battle was also fought 
at the bridge over Black river. The enemy was driven out of 
strong stockades and the bridge burned. 

The battery made its way back to Yazoo City and Vicks- 
burg. At Yazoo City it was surrounded by the enemy, but, 
crossing the river, it escaped down the opposite bank, under 
fire for some four miles. 

The battery remained at Vicksburg until May 20, 1865, 
and was then ordered to Natchez, where it performed garrison 
duty until the last of June. It was then ordered to Vicksburg, 
and was kept on provost duty in that city up to the last of July, 



270 Ohio at Vicksburg 

1865. It was then ordered to Camp Dennison, Ohio, and 
mustered out of service at that camp, August 9, 1865. 

During its term of service this hattery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Shiloh, Tenn April 6, 7, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (advance on and 

siege) April 30 to May 30, 1862 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 

Arkansas Post (Ft. Hindman), Miss. January 11, 1863 

Raymond, Miss May 12, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 17, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss .July 9-16, 1863 

The following inscription appears on the monument of the 
8th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This battery served with its division during the siege with 
no reported casualties." 



loth OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

THIS battery was organized at Xenia on the 9th of January, 
1862, and was mustered into the service at Camp Den- 
nison on the 3d of March. It was rapidly armed and equipped, 
and was ordered to St. Louis, Mo. On the 4th of April it 
moved up the Tennessee river to Pittsburg Landing, where it 
arrived on the 9th. On the 13th it received some 20 men from 
the 13th Ohio Battery, whose officers had been discharged 
because, in attempting to obey orders, they had lost their guns. 
The men w^ere distributed among several Ohio batteries, and 
were brave and faithful soldiers. The battery moved upon 
• Corinth with the army; but, during the siege, it was held in 
reserve and took no active part in operations. From the 25th 
of June to the middle of September the battery remained at 
Corinth. It then moved to luka, and remained at that post 
on garrison duty. While there the supply of forage ran short, 
and orders were given to procure it from the adjacent country. 
A portion of the men, under command of Lieutenant Grosse- 
koff, w^hile in the performance of this duty, were attacked by 



lOTH Ohio Battery 271 

Roddy's Rebel cavalry at a point five miles belovvr luka, and 
lost, by capture, privates Wm. F. Nixon, Richard Sparrow, 
John W. Shoemaker, Abe Hulsizer and William Leslie. These 
men were taken to Southern prisons, and were afterward 
exchanged. 

On October i the battery moved toward Corinth. On 
the 2d it passed through Corinth and stopped for the night at 
a fort southwest of the town. On the morning of the 3d it was 
ordered to take position near where the Chewalla Road crosses 
the Memphis Railroad. From this place the battery was order- 
ed into position just north of Corinth. About 11 o'clock on 
the morning of the 4th the Rebel lines advanced. The battery 
opened with shell, and one piece was disabled after the first 
fire by a shell getting fast half way down. Two shells w^ere 
fired by each of the other three pieces, and then canister 
(doubled) was used to the direct front. The ground was favor- 
able tor canister practice; and at each fire gaps of twenty, 
thirty and forty feet wide were cut in the advancing columns. 
The battery stopped three columns of Rebels, and each piece 
was pouring out from eighteen to twenty rounds of canister 
per minute, when the order was given to retire. The Rebels 
had advanced on the right, and the battery was without the 
support of a single musket, right or left. The pintle-key of 
the third piece had to be tied in its place; and the corporal, 
while tying it, discovered that the sponge-bucket was left. 
He called out: "Get the bucket. Number Two." George S. 
Wright, a boy of eighteen, acting as Number One, ran back 
toward the Rebels, picked up the bucket when they were not 
more than 25 yards from him, and returned with it to the gun. 
As fast as the pieces were limbered they went off at a 'gallop. 
They were unlimbered east of town and south of the Decatur 
Railroad, but only for a moment, when they were returned to a 
point about 100 yards in rear of the former position. In a 
short time the enemy retired. The battery lost only 3 men 
wounded. A number of horses were also wounded, including 
those belonging to Captain H. B. White and bugler Wm. H. 
Bretney. It pursued the enemy as far as Ripley, and then 
returned to Corinth. 

In the latter part of October the battery received 40 men 
from an Iowa brigade, but about 20 of them were returned. 
In November it moved to Grand Junction, and marched 



272 Ohio at Vicksburg 

with the army into Mississippi along the Mississippi Central 
Railroad. After the surrender of Holly Springs the battery 
returned to that point and formed part of the garrison. New- 
Year's Day, 1863, found the battery at Lafayette, and from 
this piont it moved to Memphis. On the 21st of January 
it moved down the river to Milliken's Bend, and after staying 
a week or so, proceeded to Lake Providence. In April it 
returned to Milliken's Bend, and moved from there to Grand 
Gulf. On May 15, 1863, while at Grand Gulf, General 
Dwight, of General Banks' army, arrived on a gunboat on his 
way to General Grant's headquarters, then near Black river. 
There being no cavalry at the post. Captain White was detailed, 
with 30 men of the battery, to act as an escort to the general. 
They left Grand Gulf May 16, at 9 p. m., and rode all night. 
The battle of Champion's Hill being in progress they were 
unable to reach General Grant's headquarters, and were 
compelled to remain on the road in their saddles until 2 o'clock 
a. m. of the i8th, without rations for themselves or forage for 
the horses. At 6 o'clock in the morning, when General Mc- 
Pherson's headquarters were reached, the men were completely 
exhausted and the horses unfit for further travel. Later in the 
day the escort commenced its return to Grand Gulf, having 
supplied themselves with horses and mules taken from citizens. 
On its march through the woods the escort ran into a brigade 
of Pemberton's Rebel army, that had been cut off from the main 
force. Captain White so maneuvered his men as to make 
the Rebels believe he had a large force of cavalry, and actually 
succeeded in capturing 34 Rebels. On returning to camp 
some of the men of the escort were asleep in their saddles. 

On the 13th of June it reached Vicksburg, and on the i8th 
it was posted in Fort Ransom. On the next day one of the 
guns broke its axle and another its stock, leaving but two 
serviceable pieces. On the night of the 19th Quartermaster 
McPherson, with the wagonmaster and artificer Cline, procured 
another carriage from near the Rebel lines, "cutting it out," 
as it were, under the fire of Rebel guns. On the morning of 
the 20th, artificers Cline and Wheeler, while under fire from 
the enemy's sharpshooters, repaired the disabled guns. The 
battery remained in the fort until the latter part of June. 

In the latter part of June the battery moved to Big Black, 
and immediately after the surrender of Vicksburg it marched 



lOTH Ohio Battery 273 

to Jackson. As soon as it arrived it was ordered back to 
Champion's Hill to guard the communications. Champion's 
Hill was reached on the next day, and on the 28th of July 
the battery entered Vicksburg and camped just above the 
cemetery. In August, of 72 men present, only 17 were reported 
for duty. The men were worn out with sickness and service. 
The well men did guard duty, took care of 70 horses and 
mules, went for forage and rations, hauled water, fixed shades, 
and at night cared for their sick comrades. 

The garrison went into winter quarters on the bluffs south 
of Vicksburg. One section was sent to Red Bone Church, 
12 miles south of Vicksburg; the other on duty at Hall's Ferry 
Road. During the winter the battery received about 90 
recruits. 32 men, out of 54 who were eligible, reenlisted, and 
on the 8th of April, 1864, the battery (with 150 men for duty) 
left Vicksburg for Cairo. The battery was attacked on its 
way up the river by a portion of Forrest's force, but it used its 
guns effectually and drove off the Rebels. Fort Pillow was 
held by the enemy. 

The battery returned to Memphis, and remained on duty 
there until the latter part of April, when it moved to Cairo. 
The veterans proceeded to Ohio and were furloughed. The 
Morgan raid through Kentucky prevented the veterans from 
joining the battery until the 23d of June. They were retained 
at Louisville, Ky. 

At Cairo the battery received a new outfit. On the 9th 
of May it moved to Paducah, and on the 13th it started up the 
Tennessee. On the morning of the 14th it disembarked at 
Clifton, and on the i6th began the march to Acworth, Ga. 
The distance was about 500 miles; the march occupied 24 
days, and the route lay through Pulaski, Huntsville, Decatur, 
Rome and Kingston. The weather was exceedingly warm, 
but the battery did not lose a man. At Acworth it was placed 
in the 4th Division of the 17th Army Corps. On the loth of 
June it took position at the front, and, with the exception of 
the 4th of July, was engaged every day for a month, most of 
the time in front of Kenesaw Mountain, but most severely at 
Nickajack Creek. On the 12th of July it returned to Kenesaw 
and after remaining a few days took position at Marietta, where 
it formed a part of the garrison until November. During 
Hood's march in October the battery was ordered out fre- 



274 Ohio at Vicksburg 

quently, but it was engaged only once. About the last of Octo- 
ber the horses and mules were turned over and the battery was 
ordered to Nashville. About the same time 7 recruits were 
received from Ohio. On the 2d of November the battery 
left Marietta, and, after more than a week's detention at 
Chattanooga, it procured transportation, and arrived at Nash- 
ville on the 14th. It was posted at Camp Barry. About the 
middle of November the majority of the men in the battery 
were sent about thirty miles up the Cumberland to get timber 
for winter quarters. They did not return until the ist of 
December. When Hood threatened Nashville the battery 
was posted in Fort Gillen, but it was not called into action. 
About the last of December the battery moved to Camp Barry 
and erected comfortable winter quarters. The men were 
armed with muskets, and for two months acted as infantry. 
On the 13th of March, 1865, the 4th and loth Batteries were 
consolidated. 64 men were thus added to the loth, which 
retained its name and organization. The men from the 4th 
were mostly Germans. About the ist of April the battery 
was ordered to east Tennessee, and, after guarding the post of 
Sweetwater for two weeks, it was ordered to Loudon, where 
it remained until orders to muster out were received. The 
battery was mustered out at Camp Dennison on the 17th of 
July, 1865, and paid off and discharged on the 21st. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Corinth, Miss October 3, 4, 1862 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Nickajack Creek, Ga July 2-5, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. 2, 1864 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the loth Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in Vicks- 
burg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This battery served on the investment line with the 2d 
Brigade of its division from about May 25, 1863, until June 22, 
when it was ordered to the exterior line, and took position 
near Messinger's Ford, where it remained until the end of the 
siege, July 4, with no reported casualties. 




:^^-_.^(^-M^^_ 



•♦"•jfeawA 



^-'^^^^^■^ 



1>«*^v., 







SigELk. 



iiTH Ohio Battery 275 



nth OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

THE men who composed this battery were enlisted at 
Cincinnati, from Athens, Butler, Hamilton, Vinton, and 
Wyandott Counties, between the 20th of August and the 17th 
of September, 1861, and rendezvoused at St. Louis Arsenal, 
Mo., where they were mustered into the service on the 27th 
of October, 1861, with 151 men, rank and file. 

The battery consisted of two six-pound rifled guns, caliber 
3.67; two six-pound smooth-bore guns, caliber 3.67, and two 
twelve-pound field howitzers, caliber 4.62, with gun carriages 
and caissons complete, and battery wagon and blacksmith 
shop. In addition to the regular equipments the battery had 
two water tanks, capable of holding several hundred gallons 
each, which on several occasions proved of great benefit in 
supplying men and horses with water, but were finally turned 
over for lack of transportation. 

The uniforms for the men were made to order, from 
actual measurement, of the best material, and each man was 
furnished a pair of superior buck gauntlets in addition to the 
regular uniform. The noncommissioned officers, in addition 
to their regulation saber, were armed with Beal's patent revol- 
ver, and the privates with saber bayonets. 

The organization having been completed, on the 26th of 
October the battery marched from the arsenal to department 
headquarters, and was reviewed by Major-General Fremont, 
then commanding the Western Department, and was there 
presented by Mrs. Fremont with a magnificent silk guidon. 
The battery was ordered, on the 28th of October, to embark on 
board of transports for Boonville, Mo. Owing to a low stage 
of water in the Missouri river, the battery disembarked at 
South Point, Mo., and proceeded from there by rail to Tipton, 
where it encamped, and a rigid course of instruction in the 
field evolutions of the battery was practiced. 

The battery marched to Syracuse, Mo., on the 27th of 
November, and returned, on the 29th, with the command of 
General Hovey, to Tipton, where it remained until the 15th of 



276 Ohio at Vicksburg 

December, when it marched to Otterville, Mo., remaining 
there in winter quarters until February 2, 1862. Marching 
from Otterville, in conjunction with the 47th Illinois, the 
battery reached Boonville on the 4th of February, where it 
joined the brigade of Colonel Worthington (5th Iowa Infantry), 
and marched with it to St. Charles, where the command arrived 
on the 17th. This march, for speed, considering the muddy 
state of the roads and the severity of the weather, was remark- 
able, the column moving 31 miles the last day. 

From there the troop proceeded on board transports to 
Commerce, Mo., where they disembarked, and formed a part 
of the New Madrid expedition under General Pope. The 
expedition arrived before New Madrid on the 3d of March, 
and immediately commenced operations for the reduction of the 
enemy's forts. The battery participated in several recon- 
noissances, and was repeatedly under tire of the Rebel gun- 
boats and land batteries. A few days later General Pope's 
forces crossed the Mississippi river at New Madrid, which 
compelled the evacuation of Island No. 10, and resulted in the 
capture of about 5,000 prisoners. The battery, participating 
in this expedition, brought in two Rebel six-pound guns as 
trophies of its success, and returned to New Madrid, where 
it remained in camp until the 12th of April, improving the time 
by drilling in field maneuvers. From here the battery proceed- 
ed, with the division to which it was attached, on board of 
transports to Fort Pillow for operations against that place; 
but in the meantime the battle of Pittsburg Landing had been 
fought, and General Pope's forces were ordered to reenforce 
General Grant. Proceeding from Pittsburg to Hamburg 
Landing, the army commanded by General Pope disembarked 
and advanced toward Corinth, forming the left wing of Halleck's 
army. During the siege, and in the battles and skirmishes 
resulting in the evacuation of Corinth, the battery bore its full 
share. 

The battery participated in the pursuit of the retreating 
Rebels as far as Boonville, Miss., returning afterward to 
Corinth, near which place it remained until the latter part of 
June. It participated in the Ripley expedition, under General 
Rosecrans, during the last of June and first of July, again 
returning to Corinth, where it remained until the beginning 
of August. 



iiTH Ohio Battery 277 

About the 1st of August the battery, with the division of 
General C. S. Hamilton, moved to Jacinto, Miss., where it 
remained until the morning of the i8th of September, when it 
moved with the forces of General Rosecrans for the purpose of 
cooperating with General Grant in the movement against 
General Price at luka. The battery went into action 102 
strong (3 officers and 99 men), under the command of Lieu- 
tenant Sears. During the engagement it was charged on three 
different times, suffering a loss of 2 officers and 55 men killed 
or wounded, 18 being killed on the field and others dying 
afterward. Not a man flinched, and numbers were killed or 
wounded after the Rebels had passed the muzzles of the guns, 
some of them nobly dying in the attempt to spike their pieces. 
Upward of 60 horses were killed or disabled during the action, 
with the entire loss of harness and equipments. The assaulting 
Rebel column suffered terribly, having received over 100 rounds 
of canister and other shot while traversing less than 100 yards. 
Night closed the contest just as reenforcements for Rosecrans 
reached the scene of action, enabling him to hold his position, 
both sides picketing the field of battle; but morning found the 
Rebels in full retreat. 

Severely as the battery suffered in this engagement in the 
loss of men and equipments, it was, in a short time, again 
ready for the field, and took a prominent part in the battle of 
Corinth, on the 3d and 4th of October following, nobly main- 
taining its reputation for efficiency and gallantry. Coming 
into action on the second day's engagement, after the first line 
in the center had given way, and when the Rebels, flushed with 
temporary success, were pressing the second line with exultant 
shouts, the battery poured a destructive and continuous fire 
upon the advancing Rebels, who, although coming within 
50 yards, could not longer withstand the murderous discharge 
of canister, but broke and fled. The battery participated in 
the pursuit as far as Ripley, returning again to Corinth, having 
suffered a loss of 5 men wounded during the action. 

The battery participated in the movement to cooperate 
(via Holly Springs) with General Sherman in his attack on 
Vicksburg, and fell back to the vicinity of Memphis after the 
capture of Holly Springs by the Rebel General Van Dorn. 
From December, 1862, until January, 1863, the battery was 
stationed at Germantown, Tenn., a few miles from Memphis, 



2/8 Ohio at Vicksburg 

when it moved to the last-named city, where the 17th Corps, 
to which it was attached, commanded by Major-General 
James B. McPherson, rendezvoused, preparatory to participa- 
tion in the Vicksburg campaign. Leaving Memphis in March 
the battery proceeded, on board transports, to Lake Providence, 
forming part of the command whose endeavor it was to get 
below Vicksburg by that route. Failing in that, it returned 
with its division to Helena, Ark., from which point it partici- 
pated in the attempt to reach Vicksburg via the Yazoo Pass. 

The expedition met its first serious obstructions at Fort 
Greenwood, whose massive and well-garrisoned fortifications 
offered a determined resistance to further progress. A series 
of engagements and reconnoissances by the gunboats and 
troops demonstrated the impracticability of the expedition, 
and the command withdrew to Helena. Resting for a few 
days, the division steamed down the Mississippi river to 
Milliken's Bend, La., where it remained for a short time, 
when it started with the army, under General Grant, on the 
Vicksburg campaign. 

On the 1st of May the battery crossed the river below 
Grand Gulf and moved rapidly forward to "Thompson's 
Hill." Arriving too late to participate in the engagement, 
the battery, with its division, pushed forward early next morn- 
ing in pursuit of the retreating Rebels. In the constant skir- 
mishing that took place from day to day, and in the battles of 
Raymond, Clinton, Jackson, and Champion's Hill, the battery 
bore a prominent part. 

Crossing Black river on a bridge of cotton, the battery 
pushed forward to Vicksburg, arriving before that stronghold 
on the 19th of May, its corps (the 17th) occupying the center 
of the line. At 12 o'clock m. the battery was ordered into 
position by Captain Sands, chief of artillery, on a hill imme- 
diately in front, and within point-hlank range of the three 
main forts of the Rebel defenses, including Fort Hill. To 
reach the position assigned, it was necessary for the battery 
to pass along the crest and down the side of a hill directly in 
rear of the one designated for it to occupy; and while doing so 
was exposed to the concentrated fire of the three Rebel forts, 
but on reaching the ravine it was for a time in comparative 
safety. So precipitous was the hill before it that 12 horses, 
with the men at the wheels, were required to take a single gun 



iiTH Ohio Battery 279 

up it. After severe exertions the guns were placed a few yards 
in rear, and under cover of the crest of the hill. At 2 p. m. 
the order was received to open fire, and every gun was promptly 
moved forward. The moment that the heads of the leading 
horses became visible a storm of shot and shell burst forth from 
the Rebel guns that caused the bravest momentarily to hold his 
breath. The men behaved with steadiness, and the battery 
delivered its fire as rapidly as was consistent with precision; 
and while engaged expended over 500 rounds of ammunition, 
losing I man killed and 2 w^ounded. 

At 10 p. m. the battery was relieved. Duringthe remainder 
of the siege it w^as held in reserve, and participated in several 
expeditions to the rear, fighting as occasion required; and on 
the day of the capitulation it was camped at Snyder's Bluff, 
on the Yazoo river. 

During the month of July the battery was much reduced 
in numbers from sickness, its camp being located in one of the 
low, swampy bottoms of the Yazoo river. 

In the many changes consequent upon the reorganization 
of the army after the capture of Vicksburg, the battery was 
transferred from its old command (7th Division, 17th Army 
Corps) to a provisional division, and soon after moved with 
its new^ command to Helena, Ark., destined to form part of the 
Arkansas expedition. 

Marching with the Army of the Arkansas (Major-General 
Steele commanding) from Helena, about the m'iddle of August, 
destined for Little Rock, Ark., the battery passed through all 
the vicissitudes of a Jong and tedious campaign. Arriving 
before Little Rock on the 9th of September, 1863, it immediately 
became engaged with the enemy and drove them from the river. 
In this short but decisive engagement the battery expended 
about 100 rounds of ammunition, and both officers and men 
received the commendations of the commanding general for 
the ability with which the battery was handled, and for accurate 
firing at both long and short range. With this battle the 
active campaigning of the battery may be said to have ceased. 
It remained at Little Rock until the spring of 1864, taking part 
in one or two unimportant expeditions. About the ist of 
April the battery, with the division to which it was attached 
left Little Rock for Pine Bluff, Ark., for the purpose of escort- 
ing a supply train to and reenforcing General Steele at Cam- 



28o Ohio at Vicksburg 

den, on his way to cooperate with General Banks in the Red 
river expedition. Arriving at Pine BlufF, the news was received 
that General Steele, on account of the disaster to General 
Banks, was falling back on Little Rock; and, soon after, the 
battery was assigned to duty with the forces garrisoning Pine 
BlufF, where it remained until its departure for Ohio to be 
mustered out. Arriving at Columbus about the ist of Novem- 
ber, 1864, the battery was mustered out on the 5th, having 
served its time faithfully to the end. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

New Madrid, Mo March 13, 1862 

Corinth, Miss, (advance on and 

siege) April 30 to May 30, 1862 

luka, Miss Sept. 19, 20, 1862 

Corinth Miss October 3, 4, 1862 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Mark's Mills, Ark April 25, 1864 

The following inscription appears on the monument of the 
nth Ohio Independent Battery in Vicksburg National Military 
Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This battery served with its division in the engagement 
at Jackson, May 14, in the battle of Champion's Hill May 16, 
and during the siege until May 26, when it was ordered with 
the 1st Brigade of its division on the expedition to Mechanics- 
burg. It did not return to the investment line, but was tem- 
porarily assigned to Kimball's Division, i6th Corps, June 6. 

"No reported casualties during the campaign and siege." 



15th OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

THE 15th Battery of Light Artillery was recruited in the 
counties of Trumbull, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, and Lorain, 
by Captain J. B. Burrowes and ist Lieutenant Edward Spear, 
Jr., of the 14th Battery, in the months of December, 1861, and 
January, 1862, rendezvousing at Camp Dennison. 

On the 1st of January, 1862, Lieutenant Edward Spear, 
Jr., of the 14th Battery, was transferred and promoted to the 



15TH Ohio Battery 281 

captaincy of the 15th Battery, and on the 1st of February 
the battery was mustered into the services by Captain A. B. 
Dod, of the 15th United States Infantry. It was immediately 
ordered to Cincinnati, where, on the i6th of February, it 
embarked under orders for Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; but on 
reaching Paducah, Ky., disembarked at that place, in obedience 
to an order from General W. T. Sherman. 

Horses were drawn at this point, and on the i6th of April 
the battery embarked on a steamer with orders to report to 
General Grant, at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. While proceed- 
ing up the Tennessee, and near Whitehall Landing, the boat 
was fired into by guerrillas from the shore. The fire was 
returned with shell, under cover of which the men of the 
battery landed, drove the guerrillas from their cover, and 
captured some prisoners and horses. The town from whence 
the Rebel force marched was burned, and several thousand 
bushels of corn destroyed. In this expedition the battery 
lost I man wounded. It reported to General Grant on the 
20th, and was assigned to the 4th Division of the Army of the 
Tennessee, Brigadier-General S. A. Hurlbut commanding, 
and went through the slow approach to and siege of Corinth. 
During this siege Burnap's 7th Ohio Battery and the 5th Ohio 
Cavalry were attached to the same division. 

After the evacuation of Corinth the battery was ordered 
across the country to the Mississippi river, and arrived at 
Memphis on the 21st of July. On the 6th of September it 
marched with its division to Bolivar, Tenn., reaching that place 
on the 13th of September, at which point the Rebels, regular 
and guerrilla, were very troublesome. 

On the 20th of September the battery, in conjunction with 
other forces, started on an expedition for observation toward 
Grand Junction, the combined force being under the command 
of Brigadier-General Lauman. On the 2ist a large force 
under the Rebel Generals, Price and Van Dorn, was discovered 
making an effort to get in the rear of the National forces, by 
means of a parallel road. To defeat this design the National 
column was reversed and a force started on the double-quick 
to the rear, to reach the junction of the roads in advance of the 
Rebel column. After some pretty heavy skirmishing for five 
or six miles the designs of the enemy were frustrated. In 
this running fight the battery performed effective service, 



282 Ohio at Vicksburg 

taking positions at points favorable to artillery practice, doing 
the enemy considerable damage, and killing an aid to General 
Van Dorn. The battery lost i man (John Pope) mortally 
wounded and i taken prisoner. 

On the loth of October the division commander was 
changed, General Hurlbut retiring on account of promotion, 
and General Lauman succeeding. On the 5th of October, in 
company with the 5th Ohio Cavalry and Burnap's 7th Ohio 
Battery, it took part in the battle of Metamora. The 68th 
Ohio was also engaged and acted as a support to the 15th 
Battery. In this affair there was some very hard fighting, at 
close range, though the battery lost but 2 men wounded. It 
returned to Bolivar on the 7th of October, where they were 
kept in motion most of the time scouting and skirmishing 
with the enemy. 

On the 15th of November the battery was ordered south 
toward La Grange, and on the 28th started with the army 
under General Grant for Jackson and Vicksburg, Miss. This 
movement being defeated by the capture and destruction by 
the enemy of all the National stores at Holly Springs, their 
force was ordered back, after having advanced as far as Tocubes 
Creek. Calersville, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, 
was reached on the i8th of January, where the houses of the 
town were appropriated for barracks. The battery remained 
at Calersville until the 9th of March, when it again marched 
for Memphis. While at Bolivar the men of the battery built 
a fort near the depot, which the year following was probably 
the means of saving General Sherman and his escort, they 
having retired to this fort when entirely surrounded by a heavy 
force of Rebel cavalry. 

The 15th Battery participated in the engagement of the 
19th of April on Coldwater Creek, Miss., and was present 
when the gallant Major Hanes, of the 5th Cavalry, received 
his mortal wound. In this engagement, which lasted for five 
hours, the battery lost i man killed instantly (private George 
Gesner), i mortally wounded (private John Maddox), and 2 
wounded slightly; also 7 horses killed and wounded. It 
returned to Memphis on the 23d, and remained in that city 
until the i ith of May, when it embarked for Vicksburg. 

The battery was on the front line during the siege of Vicks- 
burg, having position on the Hall's Ferry Road, to the south- 



15TH Ohio Battery 283 

east of the city, and temporarily assigned to Ord's 13th Army 
Corps. Its last position was within 200 yards of the enemy's 
works, and enfilading several hundred yards of their line, 
from which they were compelled to retire. In this, as in all 
the engagements in which the battery figured, most excellent 
service was performed, eliciting on every occasion the com- 
mendations of the commanding officers. It lost a number of 
men disabled during the siege, but none were killed. It 
expended 2,301 rounds of ammunition in the siege. 

With the rest of the forces under Sherman, immediately 
after the surrender of Vicksburg, the 15th Ohio Battery started 
on an expedition against General J. E. Johnston toward 
Jackson, Miss. Much hard skirmishing and some heavy 
fighting occurred. In the battle of the 12th of July, when 
the fortifications of Jackson were attacked, the battery was 
stationed on the extreme right of the National line, south of 
Jackson, and had 2 men wounded, and expended 223 rounds 
of arhmunition. Immediately after this it was assigned to the 
17th Army Corps, under General McPherson, and General 
Lauman was superseded in the command of the division by 
Brigadier-General M. M. Crocker. 

The battery returned to Vicksburg, and on the 15th of 
August embarked for Natchez, Miss., from which point several 
exepeditions were sent out, the principal one being to Harri- 
sonburg, La. It occupied 10 days and resulted in complete 
success. 

The battery again embarked for Vicksburg (December i) 
and reaching there went into camp on Clear Creek, about 
eight miles in the rear of the city. On the 3d of February it 
started on an expedition, under General Sherman, against 
Meridian, Miss. It operated at Meridian, Enterprise, and 
Quitman, and destroyed all public property and railroads from 
Quitman to the Pearl river, as also everything that could be 
used by the enemy, excepting those articles that could be 
appropriated to the use and comfort of the National forces. 
The battery arrived at its old camp near Vicksburg on the 4th 
of March, having marched upward of 350 miles without a day's 
rest. 

While at the last-named camp 23 men (three-fourths of 
all that remained) reenlisted for another term of three years' 
service. The veterans being entitled to thirty days' furlough, 
started for Ohio, under charge of Lieutenant Reeve. 



284 Ohio at Vicksburg 

On the 13th of April Captain Spear was assigned to duty 
as chief of artillery of the division, on the staft' of General 
Crocker, and the command of the battery was turned over to 
ist Lieutenant James Burdick. 

On the 2d of May the battery embarked for Cairo, 111., 
to join the army of General Sherman, operating in northern 
Georgia. After a few days' detention at Cairo, it was embarked 
on steamers for Clifton, on the Tennessee river. Thence it 
went by land to Huntsville and Decatur, Ala., joining the main 
army under General Sherman at Acworth, Ga., on the 8th of 
June. The battery engaged in the siege and was in the battles 
at Kenesaw Mountain, and claims that its guns killed Bishop 
Polk, a major-general in the Rebel army. As the killing of 
General Polk is a matter of dispute, an Illinois battery having 
claimed to have done it, the matter became a subject ot cor- 
respondence. Major-General W. Q. Gresham, present and 
in command of the 4th Division of McPherson's Corps, is 
strongly impressed with the fact that the 15th Ohio Battery 
was the one that forever silenced the distinguished Rebel, 
and backs his belief by a conversation he had with General 
McPherson. 

The battery was in some severe skirmishes and engage- 
ments on the Nickajack and Chattahoochie rivers. A pleasing 
little incident happened during the heat of the last-named 
affair. A bird flew upon the shoulder of private Seth Bowers, 
who was acting No. i at one of the guns, where it remained 
during the engagement. At every discharge of the piece the 
bird would thrust its head into the man's hair. After the recoil 
it would again take its position on the man's shoulder, and 
watch the operations of loading. After the battle the bird 
remained around the men's quarters for a few days, but finally 
disappeared. 

The 15th Ohio was at the capture of Augusta Railroad, 
near Decatur, Ga., and participated in the bloody engagement 
of the 22d of July, on the National left, where the gallant 
and lamented McPherson gave his life for his country. It 
was the only battery engaged on the National side on the 28th 
of July, when the Rebel general. Hood, struck General Logan's 
Corps, on the National right, with 2 corps of the Rebel army. 
It was also in Sherman's flank movement to the rear of Atlanta, 
and in the battles of Jonesborough and Lovejoy's Station. 








..^m^^ 



-^^?^sr- 




15TH Ohio Battery 285 

It returned with the army to Atlanta, and remained there until 
the movement of General Hood to the rear of the National 
army, when, with its corps, it marched north in pursuit of the 
Rebel army, as far as Snake Creek Gap and Gaylesville, Ala. 
At the last-named place the artillery was detached from the 
division, and formed into an artillery brigade, and in a few 
days went back to Altanta by way of Rome, Ga., where it 
arrived on the nth of November. 

On the 13th of November the battery joined Sherman's 
columns on their march to the sea, moving with the right wing, 
under command of General Howard. 

The battery participated in the siege of Savannah, and 
lost Lieutenant C, W. Moore, whose leg was shot off by a cannon 
ball, and private Jesse Day. It accompanied the army to 
Goldsborough, N. C, by way of Columbia, S. C, and was 
present at the surrender of General Johnston and the Rebel 
army to General Sherman. After participating in the Grand 
Review at Washington, the battery went by rail to Columbus, 
Ohio, and on the 20th of June turned over its battle-stained 
flag to the State authorities, was paid off, and mustered out. 

The battery marched, including steamboating, about 
5,000 miles, and was engaged in more than 30 battles and 
skirmishes. Until within the last two months of the war, it 
served in but one division. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Corinth, Miss, (siege of) April 30 to May 30, 1862 

Matamora, Miss October 5, 1862 

Coldwater, Miss April 19, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Expedition from Vicksburg to 

Meridian, Miss Feb. 3 to March 5, 1864 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga June 9-30, 1864 

Atlanta, Ga. (siege of) July 28 to Sept. i, 1864 

Jonesboro, Ga August 31 to Sept. 2, 1863 

Lovejoy Station, Ga September 2-6, 1864 

Savannah, Ga. (siege of) December 10-21, 1864 

Surrender of Johnston April 26, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 15th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, in Vicks- 
burg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 



286 Ohio at Vicksburg 

"This battery served on the investment line of its division 
from May 25, 1863, until the end of the siege, July 4, with no 
reported casualties." 



i6th OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

THIS battery (the third light battery organized in Ohio) 
was recruited at Springfield, and went into Camp Clark, 
Clark County Fair Grounds, August 20, 1861. It was recruited 
for the regiment of light artillery then being raised by Colonel 
Sherwin. Colonel Sherwin failing to raise his regiment, and 
Adjutant-General Buckingham, of Ohio, being slow to accept 
the battery, Major-General Fremont notified his acceptance of 
it, by telegraph, for his department of the southwest, and 
immediately ordered it to St. Louis. It moved forward, and 
arrived at Cincinnati September 5, where it embarked. While 
on its way down to Lawrenceburg it was mustered into the 
United States service by Captain Lew. Wilson. Arriving 
at St. Louis September 7, the men went into camp in a brick 
house, opposite the barracks, where they were uniformed. 
Drilling continued till October 14, when they were ordered to 
Jefferson City to work on the fortifications of that place and 
help to garrison the town. Owing to the battery not having 
gone into camp in its own State, and the mustering officer 
having failed to furnish the adjutant-general of Ohio with a 
copy of the muster-roll, it did not receive its designation until 
some time in December; hence, instead of its being the 3d, 
it was numbered the i6th Ohio Volunteer Artillery. 

The battery received its pieces and other equipments 
from Ohio, while at Jefferson City, consisting of four 3.80 
bronzed rifle and two 3.67 bronzed smooth-bore guns. On 
February 14, 1862, the battery was ordered to St. Louis, where 
it arrived in time to fire a salute in honor of the fall of Fort 
Donelson. It remained at St. Louis, in Benton Barracks, 
until March 6, when it was ordered to Pilot Knob, Mo., there 
to form a part of General Steele's Division for the invasion of 
Arkansas. On March 21 it marched to Doniphan, Mo., 
where it arrived on the 31st, and participated in a skirmish — 



i6th Ohio Battery 287 

the Rebels retiring on the approach of General Steele. It 
arrived at Pocahontas, Ark., April 11, where it captured Rebel 
stores of considerable amount. It reached Jacksonport May 
3, where it remained until the 14th, when two divisions of the 
battery, under Captain Mitchell, together with Steele's Divi- 
sion, went to Batesville to join General Curtis' army. One 
section of the battery remained in command of Lieutenant 
Twist, with the 9th Illinois Cavalry, to guard that place; 
from which they were subsequently driven by the Rebel gun- 
boat Blue Wing. On this occasion the colonel refused to allow 
the section of the battery to fire at the gunboat, lest any person 
should be hurt on the opposite shore, although he had been 
offered ten dollars per shot forthe privilege; and although the 
citizens, women and children as well as men, were cheering 
the Rebel gunners all the while they were shelling the troops 
with 9-inch shell. 

The section rejoined the battery, with Curtis' army, on 
the 1st of June, which took up its line of march on the 20th. 
Passing Jacksonport, now nearly in ashes, it arrived in Augusta, 
Tenn., in time to celebrate the Fourth of July in that place, 
on which occasion outlines being opened, many citizens came in 
and participated in the rejoicing. Leaving Augusta July 5, 
the army entered upon one of the severest marches on record, 
through a hot and inhospitable country, dust half-knee deep, 
and destitute of water, wells being filled up to retard our 
progress. Long and severe marches were resorted to in order 
to hasten through, which resulted in strewing the road with 
dead and dying horses and mules. Arriving at Clarendon, on 
White river, July 8, but not finding the expected fleet, the army 
marched to Helena, which it reached on the 15th. The battery 
remained at that place, and at Old Town Landing, during the 
fall and winter, suffering much from sickness. It participated 
in two expeditions up White river, which resulted in the capture 
of Des Arc and Duvall's Bluff, with some heavy pieces of artil- 
lery, many small arms, and 800 prisoners. 

It was assigned, in the spring of 1863, to the 12th Division, 
13th Army Corps. Leaving Helena, Ark., April 8, it joined Ma- 
jor-General Grant's expedition for the capture of Vicksburg, 
participating in the battles of Port Gibson, Fourteen Mile 
Creek, and Champion's Hill. At the last-named place. May 18, 
the battery was brought into the thickest of the fight, and it 



288 Ohio at Vicksburg 

suffered much. Here Captain Mitchell fell, and, but for the 
gallantry of the men, the battery would have fallen into the 
hands of the Rebels. Hardly stopping to take breath, the 
battery moved out to Black river bridge, and thence to Vicks- 
burg, taking position before that stronghold, under cover of 
darkness, on the night of the 20th. It moved within 400 
yards of the main line of the enemy's works, in order to cover 
a charge (which was gallantly made on the 22d), occupying, 
according to the statement of General Grant, "the most con- 
spicuous position on the line, of which it made good use from 
day to day and from night to night." Although the Rebels 
tried hard to dislodge this battery, they could not; and wiere 
forced to admit that it disabled 7 of their guns. The battery 
did not lose a single piece, but lost a few men in killed and 
wounded. 

On the 5th of July it was ordered to march for Jackson, 
where the enemy was routed and the city captured. On re- 
turning to Vicksburg, July 22, it was indulged with a quiet rest 
for a few weeks. In this campaign the battery expended over 
50 tons of ammunition. 

In August it shipped for New Orleans, and went into 
camp just above the city, under the famous live oaks. Then 
followed the gay reviews of Generals Banks and Grant; after 
which the battery remained until September 20, when it was 
ordered to Berwick's Bay, where the men spent a few pleasant 
months, and where they reenlisted in the service. The battery 
returned to New Orleans December 27, and was the first 
organization in the Department of the Gulf mustered into the 
veteran service. 

On January i, 1864, it embarked on board the steamship 
Alabama for Texas. Passing close under the guns of the forts 
at Galveston in a fog, 7 rounds were fired at the vessel from the 
fort of Brazos Santiago; but after four days' struggling with a 
storm and heavy seas, the vessel landed at Pass Cavallo, "only 
to find," says an officer of the battery, "an almost famishing 
army." He goes on to say: "Our twenty days' hard-tack was 
divided to the last box, and then came the hardest soldiering, 
on account of short rations, we had yet seen. * * * Land- 
ed on Matagorda Peninsula, 60 miles to the nearest timber, 
a fierce 'northerner' blowing, which continued two weeks, 
the most severe ever known there; so cold, indeed, that the ice 



i6th Ohio Battery 289 

was piled up on the beach, and wagonloads of fish, that had 
chilled and drifted to the shore, were collected by the soldiers. 
Then followed the most delightful weather that had ever been 
seen by us Northern boys." 

The battery remained in Texas, on Matagorda Peninsula, 
at Indianola, Powderhorn, and on Matagorda Island, until 
June, when it went to New Orleans. In the meantime the 
commanding officer in Texas refused to furlough the battery 
in a body, as orders required, on the ground that its services at 
the front could not be dispensed with. But he furloughed the 
men in two detachments, thus keeping the battery constantly 
in service; to do which he detailed from the infantry men suf- 
ficient to supply the place of those gone home. 

At New Orleans the battery received an entire new out- 
fit—new guns, new carriages, and new harness; and here it 
remained, the men "leading a gay soldier's life," until it started 
home, July 13, 1865. It was mustered out, August 2, at Camp 
Chase. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Putman's Ferry, Mo April 2-5, 1862 

Duval's Bluff, Ark January 16, 1863 

Port Gibson, Miss May i, 1863 

Fourteen Mile Creek, Miss May 12, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 1 6th Ohio Battery Light Artillery, in Vicksburg National 
Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

CASUALTIES. 

"In the battle of Champion's Hill, May 16, killed i, 
wounded i, total 2. Captain James A. Mitchell killed. Dur- 
ing the siege not reported." 



290 Ohio at Vicksburg 



17th OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

THE 17th Ohio Battery was organized under special author- 
ity from the President, dated July 12, 1862. It was 
recruited and organized at Dayton, by Captain A. A. Blount, 
and mustered into the service at that place on the 21st of Au- 
gust, 1862. 

The battery was equipped at Cincinnati. It entered the 
field on the 3d day of September, taking a position in the rear 
of Covington, Ky., near Fort Wallace, to assist in repelling an 
expected attack from the Rebels under General Kirby Smith. 
In company with the forces of Generals A. J. Smith, Gilmore 
and Burbridge, the battery marched to Lexington and Louis- 
ville, and was sent to Memphis to join General Sherman's 
expedition. This was about the 1st of December. On the 
25th of December it, along with the forces of General Burbridge, 
aided in the destruction of the O. and S. Railroad, and was 
present at the five days' fight at Chickasaw Bayou. 

It marched with General McClernand's forces and 
participated in the capture of Arkansas Post, and, thereafter 
encamped with the troops of the expedition, at Young's Point. 
At this place the members of the battery suffered sadly, losing 
in a few weeks from disease, poor rations and surgical attention, 
more men than during all the rest of its three years' service. 

In March the battery went into camp at Milliken's Bend, 
and on the 15th of April moved with the 13th Army Corps on 
the campaign against Vicksburg, and was engaged in the 
battles of Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black river bridge, 
and for 47 days in the siege of Vicksburg. 

In the demonstration against Jackson, immediately after 
the fall of Vicksburg, the battery was again actively engaged, 
and performed valuable service in the reduction and capture 
of that place. Subsequently, it was ordered to accompany 
the 13th Army Corps to New Orleans, where it arrived about 
the middle of August. It followed General Burbridge on the 
Teche expedition in the fall of 1863, and was hotly engaged 
in the fight at Grand Coteau, La., November 3, in which 



lyTH Ohio Battery 291 

more than half the brigade was killed, wounded and captured. 
The battery alone lost 25 men, 21 horses, i gun, and i caisson. 

Immediately after the disaster the battery returned to 
New Orleans, and was stationed there until August, 1864. 
It then went under General Granger to Mobile Bay, and took 
a prominent part in the capture of Fort Morgan. That 
valuable service accomplished, the battery once more embarked 
for New Orleans, where it remained until ordered to join the 
i6th Army Corps, General A. J. Smith, in March, 1865, in the 
expedition against the city of Mobile. It was engaged against 
Blakesly in the following April, and thereafter marched, under 
orders, to Montgomery, Ala., where it lay until ordered to 
Ohio for muster-out, on the i6th of August, 1865, five days 
before the expiration of its service by limitation. 

While in the service the 17th Battery participated in 10 
battles and sieges, fired 14,000 rounds of ammunition, lost 
upward of 40 men by death, and marched more than 10,000 
miles (by land and water). The battery entered the service 
with 156 men, and at its muster-out its rolls showed 158. 
During its term of service there was, from time to time, 284 
names added to its rolls. 

In company with the 83d and 96th Ohio, it received the 
thanks (by joint resolution) of the Ohio Legislature for services 
at Arkansas Post, and was honorably mentioned in the official 
reports of Generals A. J. Smith, McClernand, Burbridge, 
Washburn and Colonel Owen, by the last named, for special 
and valuable service at Grand Coteau. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part in the following battles: 

Chickasaw Bayou, Miss December 28, 29, 1862 

Arkansas Post (Ft. Hindman) Miss. January 11, 1863 

Port Gibson, Miss May i, 1863 

Champion's Hill, Miss May 16, 1863 

Black river bridge, Miss May 17, 1863 

Vicksburg, Miss, (siege of) May 18 to July 4, 1863 

Jackson, Miss July 9-16, 1863 

Grand Coteau, La November 3, 1863 

Mobile, Ala March 26 to April 9, 1865 

The following inscription appears on the monument of the 
17th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, in Vicksburg 
National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 



292 Ohio at Vicksburg 



CASUALTIES. 



"In the battle of Port Gibson, May i, 1863, sustained no 
casualties. In the battle of Champion's Hill, May 16, sus- 
tained no casualties. In the assault, May 19, sustained no 
casualties. In the assault. May 22, wounded 3, and during the 
siege, not reported. 

"Aggregate reported casualties in battery during the 
campaign and siege, wounded 3." 



26th OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY LIGHT 
ARTILLERY. 

(Yost's Captured Battery.) 

Record by E. Z. Hays, K. Co., 32d O. V. I. 

THE officers and men who first constituted this battery, 
were, when they entered the military service of the Union, 
a part of the 32d O. V. I., and were known as Company F of 
that regiment. It was recruited by B. F. Potts, in Carroll 
County, Ohio, where Captain Potts was then practicing law. 
They were mustered in at Camp Bartley, Ohio, August 30, 1861. 
Its first officers were, captain, B. F. Potts, who subsequently 
became colonel and brigadier-general; ist lieutenant, Theo- 
bald D. Yost, who succeeded to the captaincy; 2d lieutenant, 
Chas. C. Brandt, who resigned March 29, 1862, and was 
succeeded by Levi J. Cox, who, on the promotion of 1st Lieu- 
tenant Yost to the captaincy, became ist lieutenant, and 
sergeant Omar S. Lee became 2d lieutenant. The company's 
2d lieutenant at its muster in, was James M. Leith, who 
resigned October 15, 1861. 

The history of the 32d Ohio is the history of this company 
up to May 16, 1863, excepting that at Winchester it was 
detailed to man a battery which became generally known as 
"Potts' Ohio battery." On the evacuation of Winchester in 
1862, Potts took his battery down to Harper's Ferry. One 
section was sent to Sandy Hook, where, for a time it maintained 
itself against greatly superior odds. On September 13 the 
enemy brought 6 pieces into action against this one section, 
under the concentrated fire of vv^hich it held its position until 



26th Ohio Battery 293 

ordered to retire, an order difficult to execute but it got back, 
and joined the other sections. On the 14th the entire battery 
was engaged from 10 o'clock a. m. until dark, subject to a 
fierce fire from London Heights, and an ugly, enfilading fire 
from Maryland Heights. During the evening the battery 
was sent to the extreme left, and in the morning was opened 
on front, right and left by 24 guns, which fire it sustained, un- 
flinchingly, for an hour and until the white flag had been up 
sometime. 

After the surrender Company F again fell in line with its 
regiment, and went to the front as a part of the 32d O. V. L, 
participating in all its marching and fighting, up to and in- 
cluding the battle of May 16, where the brigade to which the 
32d Ohio was attached made a successful and brilliant charge 
on the Confederate left, whereby that wing was turned and the 
1st Mississippi Battery Light Artillery fell into the hands of 
the 32d Ohio Infantry. General Logan, on the field, inquired 
of Colonel Potts, " Have you men who can man those guns .f"' 
Colonel Potts replied affirmatively, and Company F took 
possession of them with a ringing shout that testified their 
delight. It was thus those Rebel guns became a Union battery 
whilst they were yet hot from hurling deadly missiles at their 
new guardians, thus the 26th Ohio Independent Battery 
sprang into existence in a moment. 

Although but few horses remained at its capture fit for 
service, the harness broken and cut to pieces, and many other 
repairs necessary, yet when the 3d Brigade marched at daylight 
the next morning, "Yost's captured battery," by which it 
became known throughout the siege, fell in with the column, 
but it must be admitted it did not "look as though it had come 
out of a bandbox." 

From this time Company F served as an artillery company, 
although it was not permanently detached from the 32d until 
December 22, 1863. 

On the investment of Vicksburg "Yost's captured battery" 
took position on the left of the 3d Brigade, 3d Division, 17th 
Army Corps, close to their old comrades of the 32d Ohio In- 
fantry, that regiment being the left of the division. After- 
wards one section was transferred to the right, between the 
Shirley house and Fort Hill, very close to the latter. The entire 
battery did most excellent service throughout the siege, one of 



294 Ohio at Vicksburg 

its guns gaining and holding a position on the Jackson road 
west of the Shirley house and closer to the enemy's intrench- 
ments than any other artillery on the investment line. Its 
conduct throughout was highly commended by all the general 
officers of the corps. 

On August 3, 1863, the company returned to the regiment 
but for a brief season only, it being again detailed for artillery 
service. On this occasion a part went to Company D, ist 
Illinois Light Artillery, the other part went to the 3d Ohio 
Battery with which they served on the expedition to Canton, 
Miss., in October. On this incursion both batteries were 
engaged in several skirmishes. 

The War Department, on recommendation of General 
McPherson, authorized Governor Tod of Ohio to permanently 
detach Company F, of the 32d Ohio Infantry, and convert it 
into a light artillery company, which was done December 22, 
1863, with the designation of the 26th Ohio Independent 
Battery, under the following order: 

General Headquarters, State of Ohio, 
Adjutant-General's Office. 

Columbus, Ohio, December 22, 1863. 

SPECIAL ORDERS 
NO. 874. 

Pursuant to authority from the War Department, dated 
December 5, 1862, Company F, 32d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
is hereby permanently detached from the regiment and will 
constitute the 26th Independent Battery Ohio Light Artillery, 
to be officered as follows: captain, Theobald D. Yost; ist 
lieutenant, Levi J. Cox; 2d lieutenant, Omas S. Lee; to rank 
from this day. 

Captain Yost will take immediate steps to reenlist and re- 
organize the battery for three years' service. He will cause a 
proper detail to be made to recruit the battery to the maximum 
strength, and when that is accomplished the two additional 
lieutenants will be appointed and commissioned. He will 
report to this office the result of his recruitment, give the resi- 
dence of each man enlisted so that each district may receive 
its proper credit. 

By order of the Governor. Chas. W. Hill, 

Adjutant-General of Ohio. 



4TH Ohio Cavalry 295 

The battery as reorganized becoming entitled to veteran 
furlough, was, on the ist of January, 1864, ordered home to 
Ohio where it remained for the usual thirty days. February 
3 it returned to Vicksburg with recruits sufficient to bring it 
up to the maximum strength. While at Vicksburg the battery 
participated in several scouts and skirmishes. November 8, 
1864, it was ordered to report at Natchez, Miss., for garrison 
duty. While performing that service it had some skirmishing 
with guerrilla bands that infested that part of Mississippi. 
After the surrender of the Confederate armies, it was attached 
to the Texas expedition or corps of observation, and served on 
the Rio Grande until August, 1865, when it was ordered to 
Ohio, and on the 2d day of September, 1865, was discharged 
and mustered out of the service by order of the War Depart- 
ment at Todd barracks, Columbus, Ohio. It had been in 
the service a few days more than four years, and few organiza- 
tions had, in that time, endured more hardships, marched more 
miles, passed through more dangers, or done harder fighting. 

During its term of service this battery bore an honorable 
part as Company F 32d Ohio Infantry in all the engagements 
of that regiment, until they were detached from the regiment 
May 17, 1863, serving as a battery organization, and partici- 
pating in the assaults and siege of Vicksburg, Miss., from May 
18 to July 4, 1863. 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 26th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in Vicks- 
burg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This battery was Company F 32d Ohio Infantry. It 
It was ordered by General McPherson to take charge of, and 
serve two 12-pounder guns, and four 3-inch rifles, captured in 
the battle of Champion's Hill May 16, 1863. It served during 
the siege on the line of its division, without reported casualties." 



4th COMPANY OHIO CAVALRY. 

THIS company was organized at Georgetown, Ohio, on the 
9th of July, 1 86 1. Each man furnished his own horse 
and horse equipments, and was armed with sabers and carbines 
at Georgetown. On the loth the company started for Camp 



296 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Chase, where, in a short time, it acquired great proficiency in 
drill. On the 19th of August it was ordered to St. Louis, Mo., 
and it arrived at that point on the 21st. It spent a few days at 
Camp Benton, and was then ordered into the city as provost 
guard. The company, by its promptness and efficiency, did 
much toward preserving order. It was sent, on one occasion, to 
suppress a riot. In less than five minutes after the order was 
received the men had saddled and mounted and were on their 
way to the scene of disturbance. 

In September the company was ordered to Syracuse, and 
while stationed there it was sent into the country to press horses, 
mules and wagons. In three days it returned with a large 
number. The company marched to Springfield, then returned 
to Syracuse, when it was transferred to General Pope's com- 
mand. 

During the months of December, 1861, and January and 
February, 1862, it was engaged in scouting over western and 
northern Missouri. It participated in many skirmishes and 
in the battle of Silver Creek, in which it lost i man killed and 
I officer and 6 men wounded. In February it returned to 
Benton Barracks, and on the ist of March it was taken into 
St. Louis and placed on duty at General Halleck's head- 
quarters. On the 9th of April it accompanied General Halleck 
as escort up the Tennessee to Pittsburg Landing. It continued 
to act as escort during the siege of Corinth. It joined the pur- 
suit of Beauregard, and after that remained on duty at depart- 
ment headquarters until Halleck was transferred to Washing- 
ton City. Next came miscellaneous service in western Ten- 
nessee, under Generals McClernand, Logan and Lawler; and 
there was scarcely a cross-road or a by-path in all that country 
with which the company was not familiar. On the ist of 
September it participated in the battle of Britton's Lane, and 
was honorably mentioned in the official report of the general 
commanding. It lost l man killed and 2 wounded. 

In November the company was appointed escort to General 
McPherson. It moved on General Grant's expedition down 
the Mississippi Central Railroad, and then returned to Grand 
Junction. It moved to Memphis, and proceeded down the 
Mississippi to Lake Providence, and thence to Milliken's 
Bend, where General Grant's army concentrated for the Vicks- 
burg campaign. ^| About the last of April the company moved 



4TH Ohio Cavalry 297 

on this campaign, and participated in the battles of Port 
Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion's Hill, Big Black 
Bridge, and in the siege of Vicksburg. The company remamed 
at the headquarters of the 17th Army Corps, moving occasion- 
ally on some exoedition, until the ist of February, 1864, when 
it joined Sherman's Meridian raid. On this expedition it 
lost 5 men captured. Soon after returning to Vicksburg the 
company moved with General McPherson to Chattanooga, 
and entered on the Atlanta campaign. It continued with the 
army until the Chattahoochie was reached, and as its term ot 
service was about to expire, it was ordered to be niustered out. 
General McPherson bade the company farewell in a compli- 
mentary order, and on the i6th of July, 1864, it was mustered 
out at Cincinnati, with an aggregate of 27 men. 

From the organization of the company to the ist of August, 
1862, it received 22 recruits, and lost in killed, discharged and 
deserted, 42 men. During the months of August and Septem- 
ber, 1862, the company received 68 recruits; thus at the expira- 
tion of its term of service there were about 50 men who had 
from one month to one year to serve. These men were left at 
General McPherson's headquarters, and in August and 
September, 1864, John L. King, who had been a sergeant m 
the original organization, recruited the company to the maxi- 
mum number, and was commissioned as captain. This com- 
pany participated in the march to the sea through Georgia, 
and in the campaign of the Carolinas. It was present at the 
Grand Review in Washington City, and was mustered out on 
the 28th of May, 1865, and was transported to Camp Dennison, 
where it was paid and discharged. 

This company as escort to General James B. McPherson 
from November, 1862, until his death in the battle of Atlanta, 
July 22, 1864, was present, and bore an honorable part in all 
the engagements that the 17th Corps were engaged in. They 
were active in the campaign and siege of Vicksburg, in the 
Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea, and up through the 
Carolinas until the surrender of Johnston, at Raleigh, N. C. 

The following inscription appears on the monument of 
the 4th Company Ohio Cavalry in Vicksburg National Military 
Park, Vicksburg, Miss.: 

"This company served as escort at 17th Corps head- 
quarters during the campaign and siege, without reported 
casualties." 



298 Ohio at Vicksburg 



VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK. 

{Data taken from the description of Vickshurg Park by Capt. 
W. r. Righy, Chairman, V. N. M. P.) 

IN accordance with an Act of Congress, approved February 
21, 1899, the Vicksburg National Military Park was estab- 
lished. The provisions of the bill establishing the Park 
empowered the Secretary of War to appoint a commission of 
three honorably discharged soldiers who had served either in 
the Union or Confederate armies during the siege, as park 
commissioners. Two of the commissioners to be selected 
from the army commanded by General Grant, and one from 
the army commanded by General Pemberton. The Secretary 
of War, on March i of the same year, appointed on that 
Commission, General Stephen D. Lee, of Mississippi, Captain 
William T. Rigby, of Iowa, and Colonel James G. Everest, of 
Illinois, and charged them with the duty of perfecting and 
embellishing the Park under his direction and approval. The 
commission thus appointed, met and was organized by electing 
Commissioner Lee as chairman, John S. Kountz, of Ohio, 
secretary and historian, and Captain Charles L. Longley, of 
Iowa, as clerk of the Commission. 

The National Commission, after perfecting their organiza- 
tion entered actively on the work of defining the boundaries of 
the Park, keeping in view at all times the importance of includ- 
ing in the boundaries all the fighting ground of both armies 
during the siege. The boundaries of the Park being definitely 
determined, showed an area of land required for park purposes 
to embrace about 1,250 acres, which was immediately surveyed, 
purchased and deeded to the Government of the United States 
at a cost of $4.2 24-100 per acre. The State of Mississippi 
has ceded jurisdiction to the United States Government over 
all the land within the boundaries of the Park, and the public 
highways within its limits. The work of establishing the ave- 
nues of the Park was immediately taken up by the Commission, 
and after a very careful study and survey of the land purchased 
the avenues were located as follows: Confederate avenue 



ViCKSBURG National Military Park 299 

(8.19 miles) follows the line of Confederate earthworks and is 
just in rear of that line from the bluffs south of Mint Bayou, 
opposite the National Cemetery to the river below the city. 
Union avenue (743 miles) follows the first parallel (trench) of the 
Union army from the east gate of the National Cemetery to 
a junction with Confederate avenue at Fort Garrott and is, 
as a rule, immediately in rear of that parallel. In connection 
with Confederate avenue, it includes the greater part of the 
Park, all the ground on which the assaults were made May 

19 and 22, and all the close approaches (saps) of the Union 
army, except on Lauman's front. The greater part of the 
Union tablet inscriptions, monuments and markers will be 
placed on or very near this avenue. 31 Ohio monuments and 

20 Ohio markers are now in position on or near it. Grant 
avenue (.93 mile) begins at the northeast angle of Union avenue, 
and extends to and around Grant's headquarters. The 
monument of the 58th Ohio (detailed for service on gunboats) 
stands on this avenue. Sherman avenue (2.3 miles) starts at 
Grant avenue, runs past the site of General Sherman's head- 
quarters, lies for a part of its course on the road over which 
supplies for General Grant's army were drawn from the land- 
ing on the Yazoo river, and joins Union avenue at a point 
about three-fourths of a mile from the beginning of that 
avenue at the east gate of the National Cemetery. The 
monuments of the 22d, 46th, 53d and 70th Ohio regiments 
stand on this avenue. Indiana avenue (.7 mile) begins on 
Union avenue near Fort Garrott, runs south to the Flower 
Hill road and west on that road to a junction with Confederate 
avenue. It is, in part, on the line of McGinnis' Brigade of 
Hovey's Division, and goes along the firing lines of that brigade. 
Wisconsin avenue (.82 mile) goes from Confederate avenue 
on the first spur east of the Hall's Ferry road, past a salient 
Confederate work, is on the line of Pugh's Brigade of Lau- 
man's Division, and touches three positions of the 5th Ohio 
Battery. Illinois avenue (1.3 miles) lies for a large part of its 
course on the Hall's Ferry road and turns to the right (south- 
west) from that road on a spur about three-fourths of a mile 
in front (south) of the Confederate line. It is on the line of 
Hall's and Bryant's Brigades of Lauman's Division, and goes 
past the position of the 15th Ohio Battery. The monuments 
of the 7th and 15th Ohio batteries stand on Illinois circle. 



300 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Iowa avenue (.85 mile) goes from Confederate avenue the first 
ridge east of Stout's Bayou, is on the line of Vandever's Brigade 
of Herron's Division. Such parts of the public roads leading 
from Vicksburg as lie in or alongside the boundaries of the 
Park have been ceded to the United States (so far as juris- 
diction is concerned) as Park roadways, and will be graded and 
metaled the same as Park avenues. These parts of public 
roads aggregate 3.09 miles, making a total of 25.61 miles of 
Park avenues and roadways. Confederate, Union, and Grant 
avenues are graded and all the bridges built — 3 on Confederate 
and 12 on Union avenues. 

The Confederate line of defense in 1863 followed a high, 
rugged and almost unbroken ridge from the river above to the 
river below the city, and was 8 miles in length. From this 
main ridge spurs, or secondary ridges, set out frequently and 
are separated by deep ravines with precipitous sides. The rug- 
gedness of this terrain cannot be appreciated without being seen. 
The investment line of the Union army crossed the steep 
ridges and deep ravines above described, and this fact accounts 
for the 12 bridges on the 7.43 miles of Union avenue. Had it 
been continued to the Warrenton road, like Confederate 
avenue, 4 additional bridges would have been required. This 
topography made the Confederate line impregnable against the 
assaults of General Grant's army in 1863, but in connection 
with the fine water views afi^orded by the lake and river, it 
now offsets the most beautiful and picturesque location for a 
great National Park that could be found on the continent. 

The plans of the Commission contemplate the restoration 
of the line of earthworks and the batteries of both armies, the 
mounting of at least i gun in each battery, and caliber actually 
used in it, the placing of an appropriate battery tablet inscrip- 
tion at each of these guns, the placing of the other tablet in- 
scriptions referred to, and the monuments and markers erected 
by State commissioners, at appropriate sites — largely on Union 
and Confederate avenues, some on the other avenues and 
roadways and in the Park between Confederate and Union 
avenues. 

Nearly 500 tablet inscriptions have been prepared and 
approved, descriptive of the part borne by the corps, division, 
brigade and batteries of the two armies in the campaign, siege, 
and defense, marking the lines of the Union approaches (saps), 




^ 



ViCKSBURG National Military Park 301 

the sites of headquarters of general officers, and the places 
where general officers were killed. These inscriptions will 
be cast on tablets, largely iron, a few bronze, and will be placed 
in the Park as soon as they can be made, delivered and painted. 
125 obsolete cannon of the kind and caliber used in the siege 
and defense have been received from the War Department for 
mounting in the Park. The remounting of these guns in their 
old places on the lines of the two armies will begin as soon as the 
carriages can be painted. The 13 heavy guns will be mounted 
on siege carriages. 

When the work of establishment and embellishment has 
been finished the Vicksburg Park will be not only a faithful 
reproduction of siege and defense conditions in 1863, but also 
a great landscape picture, simple in plan, harmonious in details 
and interesting to a degree that can scarcely be surpassed. 

The Act of Congress, approved February 21, 1899, above 
referred to, provides That it shall be lawful for any State that 
had troops engaged in the defense and siege of Vicksburg to 
enter upon the lands of the Vicksburg National Military Park 
for the purpose of ascertaining, and marking the positions 
occupied and held by the several commands from the State 
the commission represented. This clause in the act anticipated 
favorable action by the several States, both North and South, 
that had troops engaged in the campaign and siege, in making 
appropriations in sufficient amounts to mark with an artistic 
memorial the position each organization held during the siege. 

vicksburg and the MISSISSIPPI river. 

No city on the Mississippi river between St. Louis and 
New Orleans has a more beautiful and healthful location than 
Vicksburg. It sits serenely on its hills, a hundred feet above 
the highest water level, and, in 1863, the river swept twice at 
its feet — the channel first running nearly north and then turn- 
ing south, with a long narrow peninsula between the two 
reaches of the river. In 1876 the current broke through this 
peninsula in front of the lower part of the city, and the river 
now only touches it at its extreme limit, but a fine body of deep 
water, called Centennial Lake, remains at the old bend of the 
river nearly opposite the National Cemetery, and through 
this, by the construction of a canal, the United States Engineers 
haveturned the Yazoo river, which now flows past Vicksburg 
and empties into the Mississippi just below the city. 



302 Ohio at Vicksburg 



APPOINTMENT AND WORK OF THE 
OHIO COMMISSION. 



The General Assembly of the State of Ohio, on April i6, 
1900, passed the following act: 

(Senate Bill No. 21.) 

AN ACT 

Authorizing the appointment of a commission to ascertain 
and mark the positions of Ohio troops in the siege of 
Vicksburg, and to make an appropriation to pay the neces- 
sary traveling expenses of the members of the com- 
mission. 
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio: 

Section i. That the governor of the state be and is 
hereby authorized to appoint a commission, consisting of 
six citizens of Ohio, each of whom shall have served with 
honor in the campaign and siege of Vicksburg, who shall 
serve without pay and whose duty it shall be to cooperate 
with the national park commission in ascertaining and mark- 
ing the positions occupied in the siege of Vicksburg, by each 
regiment, battery and independent organization from this 
state which were there engaged. 

Section 2. That the sum of one thousand dollars be, 
and the same is hereby appropriated out of any money in 
the state treasury, to the credit of the general revenue fund, 
not otherwise appropriated, to be drawn and used by said 
commission to pay the personal expense of the members of 
said commission in the discharge of the duties aforesaid on 
the presentation of such certified vouchers as the auditor of 
state shall direct. 

Section 3. Said commission shall make a full report of 
the execution of its trust to the governor on or before the 
fifteenth day of January, nineteen hundred and two. 



Appointment and Work of the Ohio Commission 303 

Section 4. This act shall take effect and be in force 
from and after its passage. 

A. G. Reynolds, 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
Jno. a. Caldwell, 

President of the Senate. 
Passed April 16, 1900. 270G 

In compliance with the provisions of this Act, Governor 
George K. Nash, on September 29, 1900, appointed six honor- 
ably discharged soldiers, who had served in Ohio commands 
through the campaign and siege of Vicksburg, to act as com- 
missioners from Ohio, in conjunction with the Vicksburg 
National Military Park Commission, for the purpose of ascer- 
taining and marking the positions of Ohio commands that were 
engaged in the siege, as follows: General Andrew Hicken- 
looper, late chief engineer 17th Army Corps, Cincinnati; 
Sergeant J. B. Allen, late Company C, 30th O. V. L, Athens; 
Colonel A. H, Brown, late 96th O. V. I., Centerburg; Lieu- 
tenant E. Z. Hays, late Company K, 32d O. V. I., Warsaw; 
Major Charles Hipp, late 37th O. V. I., St. Marys'; and 
Sergeant W. P. Gault, late Company F, 78th O. V. I., Colum- 
bus. 

November 16, 190 1, Brevet Colonel James Kilbourne, late 
captain Company H, 95th O. V. I., of Columbus, was appointed 
a member of the Commission, vice General Hickenlooper re- 
signed, and on May 25, 1903, General William H. Raynor, 
late colonel 56th O. V. I., was appointed on the Commission, 
vice Colonel A. H. Brown, resigned. No other changes have 
occurred in the Commission since the original appointments 
were made September 29, 1900. 

The first meeting of the Commission was held November 
14, 1900, in the office of Clerk of Supreme Court, with the 
following members present: Commissioners Allen, Brown, 
Hays, Hipp and Gault; commissioner absent, General Hicken- 
looper. The Commission was called to order by Commissioner 
Allen, as temporary chairman, and organized by electing 
Commissioner Allen chairman and Commissioner Gault 
secretary. After completing the organization, and discussing 
plans for future work, the Commission adjourned to meet again 
at the call of the secretary. On the i6th of April, 190 1, the 



304 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Commission met at the Carroll House, Vicksburg, Miss., and 
took up the work of ascertaining and marking the positions 
occupied and held on the Park by the several Ohio commands 
during the siege. 

Ohio being the first State to mark the locations of iier troops 
it proved a very difficult task, and after spending three days on 
the Park, the Commission decided to return to Ohio, and con- 
fer with members of the several Ohio commands that partici- 
pated in the siege respecting their positions on the line. After 
diligent research of the official reports of regimental, brigade 
and division commanders, and interviews, both personal and 
by letter, with a score of comrades who had served in Ohio 
commands during the siege, the Commission, feeling more fully 
equipped to intelligently discharge the duty imposed upon them, 
again met November 11, 1901, at the Carroll House, Vicksburg, 
and renewed the work of establishing the positions occupied 
by the several Ohio commands on the investment line. 

The majority of the different commands were satisfactor- 
ily located during this second visit. However, in some cases, 
the reports of regimental, brigade and division commanders 
respecting certain Ohio commands were so vague and unre- 
liable that it was deemed necessary to send comrades to the 
Park who had served in such commands and determine, with 
the assistance of the chairman of the Vicksburg National 
Military Park Commission, their true locations, and report the 
results of their labors to this Commission. With such assistance 
the work of correctly locating the true positions of all Ohio 
organizations on the Park was finally completed to the satis- 
faction of this Commission, and we earnestly hope to the 
satisfaction of all comrades and friends interested. 

In some few cases the Commission was necessarily (yet 
against its better judgment) compelled to select the position of 
monuments in accordance with the official reports of the officers 
in command at the time the action took place. The reports 
were sometimes so worded that they could be construed to 
describe two or more positions occupied at the same time. 

The topography of the Park has undergone several changes 
since those strenuous days of May and June, 1863. Hill tops 
and ravines that had been covered with trees, underbrush and 
cane brake, have been cleared away, and roads have been 
changed until in some instances the description of the land 



Appointment and Work of the Ohio Commission 305 

as found in the official reports does not in any degree describe 
the same position as was found when the Park was established. 
Under such unfavorable conditions, the reader can form some 
conception of the arduous and careful work that had been 
imposed on the Commission in the prosecution of their work. 

In addition to the 2i regiments of infantry, 12 independent 
batteries light artillery, and one company of cavalry (McPher- 
, son's escort), with locations on or near Union avenue, Ohio was 
represented with 5 additional regiments of infantry. One of 
the regiments (58th Ohio) was detached on gunboat service, 
and 4 regiments (the 22d, 46th, 53d and 70th Ohio Regiments) 
were stationed on the exterior line, which extended- from 
Haines' BlufF on the Yazoo river 10 miles northeast of Vicks- 
burg, across the peninsula to the Big Black river, thence south 
along the west bank of that stream to near Hall's Ferry, with 
General Sherman in command. This line, possibly 10 or 12 
miles long was strongly fortified at the most important points, 
and was defended by more than 40,000 troops, to oppose the 
crossing of that stream by the Confederate general, Joseph E. 
Johnston's command, 30,000 strong, for the purpose of assist- 
ing in crushing Grant's army and liberating Pemberton's 
army from their unfavorable situation. 

The services of those regiments on the exterior line being 
of equal importance with the troops that occupied positions on 
the investment line, caused the Comniission for some time 
considerable anxiety, as to the most desirable place to locate 
their monuments. From the fact that General Sherman 
was in command of the exterior line, the Commission finally 
decided that the most appropriate location for all Ohio monu- 
ments whose commands served on the exterior line at any 
time during the siege should be on Sherman avenue. 

The completion of the work intrusted to our care shows, 
that, in the army commanded by General Grant during the 
campaign and siege of Vicksburg, Ohio had the honor of 
claiming the three most prominent generals who directed the 
campaign and siege— Sherman and Grant and McPherson, all 
having Ohio as their birthplace. In point of number of 
organizations in the campaign and siege, Ohio stood second, 
having 39 independent organizations, with a strength or 
effective force, on March 29, 1863, of 11,984 officers and 
men ready for duty, or about one-third of the entire force 



3o6 Ohio at Vicksburg 

that fought the battles during the campaign and siege. 
During the assaults of May 19 and May 22, over 50 per cent, of 
the flags planted on the Confederate works were planted there 
by Ohio organizations. In all of the battles of the campaign 
and siege from Port Gibson, May i, to the surrender of Vicks- 
burg, July 4, Ohio regiments and batteries could always be 
found in the thickest of the battle. And during that short 
campaign, which lasted 65 days from the date of the first battle, 
each of the 39 Ohio organizations bore an honorable part in 
the positions assigned them under orders of their commanders, 
and this Commission takes great pleasure in recording the fact 
that no Ohio command came out of that campaign and siege 
with the taint of cowardice or dishonor attached to it. 

The positions for monuments to stand on Union avenue, 
as located by the Ohio Vicksburg Battlefield Commission, are 
for the following Ohio regiments and batteries, commencing 
on the right of the avenue near the east gate of the National 
Cemetery, and extending east and south along the avenue to 
Fort Garrott: 

8th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 

76th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

4th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 

95th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

72d Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

54th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

57th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

30th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

37th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

47th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

lOth Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 

20th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

68th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

78th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

nth Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 

4th Company Ohio Cavalry 

3d Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 

32d Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

Yost's Captured Battery (afterwards known as 26th Ohio 
Independent Battery) 

80th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

48th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 



Appointment and Work of the Ohio Commission 307 

83d Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

96th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

17th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 

1 6th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 

1 6th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

42d Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

114th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

1 20th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

2d Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 

56th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

5th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery. Stands 
on Wisconsin avenue. 

7th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery. Stands 
on Illinois avenue circle. 

15th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery. Stands 
on Illinois avenue circle. 

22d Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Stands on 
Sherman avenue. 

46th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Stands on 
Sherman avenue. 

53d Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Stands on 
Sherman avenue, 

70th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Stands on 
Sherman avenue. 

58th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Stands on 
Grant avenue. 

Having satisfactorily established the positions occupied 
on the Park by the several Ohio regimental and battery com- 
mands that served during the siege, and said positions having 
received the approval of the National Vicksburg Military 
Park Commission and the Secretary of War, and to enable the 
Ohio Commission to complete the work contemplated by act 
of the General Assembly of Ohio as passed April 16, 1900, that 
body on April 15, 1902, passed the following supplementary 
act: 

(House Bill No. 254.) 

AN ACT 

To supplement an act entitled "An act authorizing the ap- 
pointment of a commission to ascertain and mark the 



3o8 Ohio at Vicksburg 

positions occupied by Ohio troops in the siege of Vicks- 
burg, Mississippi, and to make an appropriation to pay 
the personal expenses of the commission." 
Whereas, Under the act of congress, approved February 
21, 1899, establishing the "Vicksburg National Military Park," 
the government has purchased about 1,200 acres embracing 
practically all the ground that v^as occupied during the siege by 
the confederate line of defense and the federal line of invest- 
ment; and 

Whereas, The state of Mississippi has ceded to the 
United States jurisdiction over the said ground; and 

Whereas, The national commission appointed under 
the act of congress referred to, proposes to restore, and has 
already, to a large extent restored the said battlefield of Vicks- 
burg to the condition that it was in at the time of the siege, by 
closing new roads and opening old army ones and clearing 
away new growths of timber; and 

Whereas, The said National Park, with its two grand 
avenues (Confederate and Union), in addition to its num- 
erous smaller avenues, and its handsome monuments com- 
memorative of American valor, will, when completed, be of 
national interest; and 

Whereas, Under an act entitled "An act authorizing the 
appointment of a commission to ascertain and mark the posi- 
tions occupied by Ohio troops in the siege of Vicksburg and 
to make an appropriation to pay the personal expenses of the 
commission," passed by the general assembly of Ohio, April 
16, 1900, six commissioners were appointed to serve without 
pay, charged with the duty of ascertaining and marking the 
positions occupied by Ohio troops in the siege of Vicksburg; 
and 

Whereas, Said commission, in cooperation with the 
national commission, has carefully selected the locations 
for monuments to mark the said positions, and which are 
historically accurate as to the regiments, battalions and batteries 
engaged; and 

Whereas, Said commissioners having substantially com- 
pleted the preliminary task assigned them by the general 
assembly, are now ready to proceed to the execution of the 
further work contemplated by the act of April 16, 1900, to wit: 
The erection of monuments and tablets to mark the positions 



Appointment and Work of the Ohio Commission 309 

of Ohio troops that were engaged in the siege of Vicksburg, 
and such of her Ohio commands as were on duty on the line of 
circumvallation under orders issued by the commanding general, 
and 

Whereas, Said commissioners have made an estimate 
of the sum of money required for the completion of said work 
and said estimate being as follows, to wit: Monuments for 
twenty-six (26) regiments of infantry engaged, costing not to 
exceed ^1,500 each, ^39,000; monuments for eleven (11) 
batteries engaged, costing not to exceed ^1,000 each, ;^ii,ooo; 
monument for one (i) battalion of cavalry engaged, costing 
not to exceed ;^i,ooo; and traveling expenses, stationery and 
such other items of expense as may occur in making contracts 
for monuments and markers, and supervising their erection, 
^2,500; for purchase and erection of markers the sum of ^2,500; 
and 

Whereas, It is the judgment of said commission that for 
the economical prosecution of the work contemplated, ^7,500 
should be available and subject to the orders of said commission 
on and after April i, 1902, and ^25,000 on and after Decem- 
ber I, 1902, and ;^26,ooo on and after March i, 1904, at which 
latter date, being within about two years from the present time, 
it is proposed to have all the monuments and tablets erected 
and the work of the commission practically completed; there- 
fore, 
Be tt enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio: 

Section i. That in addition to the sum appropriated 
by the provisions of the aforesaid act, there is hereby ap- 
propriated, out of any funds in the state treasury, to the credit 
of the general revenue fund, and not otherwise appropriated, 
the sum of fifty-six thousand (56,000.00) dollars, to be used as 
herein provided, warrants for which shall be drawn by the 
auditor of state upon the treasurer of state, upon vouchers or 
estimates properly approved by not less than four members 
of said commission. 

Section 2. Said commission shall keep an accurate ac- 
count of all disbursements and make a full report thereof to 
the governor on or before the 15th day of November of each 
year during the continuance of said trust. 



310 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Section 3. This act shall take effect and be in force 
from and after its passage. 

W. S. McKlNNON, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
Carl L. Nippert, 

President of the Senate. 
Passed April 15, IQ02. 118G 

By authority of this act, the Ohio Commission was now 
ready to enter into a contract for the 38 monuments, and 20 
markers to be properly inscribed, and placed in position in 
Vicksburg National Military Park. 

The Ohio Vicksburg Battlefield Commission, devoted its 
time and energy in securing for Ohio the largest and most 
artistic monuments for the money appropriated. With a 
desire to equal if not excel any similar work in military parks 
and with a knowledge that the Shiloh Commission was soon to 
dedicate its monuments in Shiloh Military Park, that had been 
selected by their commission after two weeks of competitive 
inspection at great expense, from 11 different monumental 
contractors, the Ohio Vicksburg Commission decided to have 
a committee of two, consisting of Commissioners Hipp and 
Gault, to attend the Shiloh dedicatory ceremonies, examine 
closely all monuments erected on that Park, in point of size, 
design, workmanship, and style of lettering, and report to this 
Commission at its next regular meeting. The committee at 
the next meeting reported favorably upon the design and 
execution of the Shiloh monuments. The Ohio monuments 
were, in the opinion of the Committee, superior, both in quality, 
design and workmanship, to similar work found in other 
military parks. 

Knowing that competitive exhibitions of such work were 
always accompanied with great expense, and such expense 
must necessarily increase the price of the work, or lessen the 
size or quality of it, this Commission, by a majority vote, 
decided to avoid competitive bids, thereby saving to the State 
nearly ^4,000 expense, which expense the contractors agreed 
to use in furnishing to the Ohio Vicksburg Commission, monu- 
ments that were LARGER in size and FINER in FINISH 
than has heretofore been placed in military parks, at the same 
price. 



Appointment and Work of the Ohio Commission 311 

After a careful study of similar monumental work in other 
parks, the Commission decided, by a vote of four to one to 
award the contract to The Hughes Granite and Marble Com- 
pany, of Clyde, Ohio; for furnishing complete and set up in 
Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Miss., 38 
monuments, for which said company was to receive, when 
accepted by the War Department, ^49,000 in full. On August 
12, 1902, the commission met at the Great Southern Hotel, 
Columbus, and entered into the following contract with the 
aforesaid. The Hughes Granite and Marble Company. 

Columbus, O., August 12, 1902. 
This contract entered into this date between the Ohio 
Vicksburg Battlefield Commission, party of the first part, 
through the following members of said Commission, to wit: 

J. B. Allen 
W. P. Gault 
James Kilbourne 
Charles Hipp 
' A. H. Brown 
E. Z. Hays, 

and The Hughes Granite and Marble Company, party of the 
second part, by and through W. E. Hughes, the president of 
said company, duly authorized and instructed to contract on 
its behalf. 

Witnesseth, That the first party has let and contracted 
for the erection of the Ohio monuments to be erected upon 
Vicksburg battlefield, to wit, 38 in number, to the said second 
party and that the said second party agrees to build and erect 
said monuments upon said battlefield upon foundations to 
be built by the National Government upon the following 
terms and conditions, to wit: 

The proposal of the said second party and the specifica- 
tions accompanying same are hereto attached and made a part 
of this argeement. 

The monuments to be constructed and erected under the 
terms of this contract are as follows: 26 for Regiments of In- 
fantry engaged in said battle, at ^1,460 each; 11 for Batteries 
of Artillery engaged, at 1^960 each; and one for the Battalion 
of Cavalry engaged, costing 1^480. And it is understood and 



312 Ohio at Vicksburg 

agreed that the selection of monuments to be erected are to be 
made by the Commission from the designs and scale drawings 
and sizes presented to this Commission by said second party, 
and that when the same are selected blue prints of the scale 
drawings of the design selected shall be attached to this con- 
tract and shall become a part of it; the number thus selected to 
be 38 in all to correspond with the number of monuments to 
be erected. 

For the construction and erection of said monuments in a 
good and workmanlike manner pursuant to the terms of the 
proposal hereto attached, the said second party shall receive 
the sum of ^49,000, ;^25,ooo of said sum shall be payable in 
estimates made by first party as the work of construction and 
erection of said monuments progresses, and the balance re- 
maining due shall be payable upon the due completion of the 
work under this contract and its acceptance by first party. 
Said monuments to be fully completed and erected by the first 
day of May, 1904, unless prevented by circumstances over 
which second party has no control. 

Second party shall provide a bond in the sum of Twenty- 
five Thousand Dollars (^25,000) with good and sufficient 
sureties conditioned upon the full and faithful performance of 
the terms of this contract and upon the filing of said bond and 
its acceptance by first party, this conrtact shall be and be- 
come in full force and eflFect. Exhibits A, B, C, D hereto at- 
tached are made a part of this agreement. 
(Signed) J. B. Allen 

W. P. Gault 

James Kilbourne 

Charles Hipp 

A. H. Brown 

E. Z. Hays 
The Hughes Granite and Marble Co., 

Per W. E. Hughes 



EXHIBIT A. 

Supplementary Addenda. 

This agreement to be attached to contract and made part 
thereof. 



Appointment and Work of the Ohio Commission 313 

We agree to furnish and turn over to your Commission 
original bills of lading and freight paid bills of all rough granite 
used in the construction of the Vicksburg monument work, 
which shall come from the quarries now owned and operated 
by the Whetmore, Morris Granite Company, of Barre, Vermont, 
and to be their best grade of granite. This being the same 
granite used in the construction of the Shiloh work, built by 
the Hughes Granite & Marble Co., of Clyde, Ohio, and 
erected for the Ohio Shiloh Commission at the National Mili- 
tary Park, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., and the same quarry 
from which the granite was taken to build the Rockfeller 
obelisk, and further that it shall be the best rock quarried by 
said company. 

Provided, that if the monumental foundations for Ohio 
shall not have been completed by May i, 1904, then the said 
Vicksburg Park Commission, party of the first part, shall not 
be required to accept their monuments until the same shall have 
been erected by permission of the United States Commission 
for said Park. 

EXHIBIT B. 
Bond. 

Know all men by these presents^ That we, the Hughes 
Granite and Marble Company of Clyde, Ohio, as principal, 
and Taylor Fuller, Ira S. Comstock and George Slessman, of 
Clyde, Ohio, and W. L. Curry of Columbus, Ohio, as sureties, 
are held and firmly bound unto the State of Ohio in the penal 
sum of ^25,000 for the payment of which well and truly to be 
made, we bind ourselves, our successors, heirs, executors and 
administrators firmly by these presents. 

The conditions of the above obligations are such that 
whereas the said The Hughes Granite and Marble Company 
did on the I2th day of August, 1902, enter into an agreement 
and contract for the erection of monuments to mark the posi- 
tions of Ohio troops on the battlefield of Vicksburg, being now 
known as the Vicksburg National Military Park in the State 
of Mississippi, with J. B. Allen, W. P. Gault, James Kilbourne, 
Charles Hipp, A. H. Brown and E. Z. Hays, who constituted 
a Commission appointed pursuant to the laws of the State 
of Ohio and acting in all matters pertaining to the erection of 



314 Ohio at Vicksburg 

monuments and tablets to mark the positions of Ohio troops 
on said battlefield. 

Now, if the said The Hughes Granite and Marble Com- 
pany faithfully prosecute the erection of said monuments 
according to the plans, designs, and specifications embraced in 
its agreement for the erection thereof and shall furnish the 
monuments complete at the time and place agreed upon to the 
satisfaction and acceptance of the said Ohio Commission and 
the approval of the Vicksburg National Military Park Com- 
mission, then this obligation shall be void, otherwise it shall 
remain in full force and effect. 

Witness our hand and seals this eighteenth day of August, 
1902. 

(Signed) The Hughes Granite and Marble Co. 

Per W. E. Hughes, President, 
Taylor Fuller 
George Slessman 
Ira S. Comstock 
W. L. Curry 
Fremont, Ohio, August 20, 1902. 

To the members of the Ohio Vicksburg Commission: 

Taylor Fuller, George Slessman and Ira S. Comstock, 
whose names have been affixed to the bond of The Hughes 
Granite and Marble Company for ^25,000 are all large tax- 
payers in Sandusky County, and I regard them as good and 
sufficient sureties of the said bond. 

I regard The Hughes Granite and Marble Company as 
perfectly safe on a contract of that size without bond or sureties. 



County Auditor. 



EXHIBIT C. 



The Ohio Vicksburg Battlefield Commission, 

Columbus, Ohio. 
Gentlemen: Pursuant to your request extended by letter 
of July 17, 1902, for the submission of designs for monuments 
to be erected at Vicksburg National Military Park upon foun- 
dations prepared by the National Government, and in accord- 



Appointment and Work of the Ohio Commission 315 

ance with an act passed by the 75th General Assembly 
known as House Bill No. 254, we beg leave to submit to your 
honorable body the following proposal: 

We understand that there are to be 26 monuments for 
Regiments of Infantry engaged, the cost of said monuments 
not to exceed ^39,000; 11 monuments for Batteries engaged, 
costing not to exceed ^11,000, and i monument for Battalion of 
Cavalry engaged, costing not to exceed 1^500. 

We herewith submit for the consideration of your honor- 
able body 74 scale drawings drawn one inch to one foot, and 
giving on each drawing the size of the face, and end elevation 
and ground plan; and also showing the moulding, carving 
and other decorative ornaments and the manner in which each 
design will be finished. We also submit to you 22 designs 
without scale drawings, sizes hereto attached. Should any of 
these designs be selected, we agree to make the scale drawings 
in accordance with sizes given and also giving the sizes upon the 
scale drawings which are also to be attached with the balance 
of the scale drawings selected to these specifications and made a 
part thereof. 

You will observe from the scale drawings which have 
been revised and carefully prepared by us from the designs 
submitted, that the great Seal of the State of Ohio is to be 
carved from the solid granite. This will be added to any of 
the designs submitted that may be selected, for which we 
have not prepared scale work, at the shops of this company. 

Lettering: — All of the lettering for the regimental and 
historical inscriptions upon the face and back of the monu- 
ments to be done in raised polished letters and to be in size 
proportionate to the amount of available space at command. 
The name "OHIO" will be cut either in raised polished or 
raised carved letters as your Commission may desire. 

We agree to finish each and every piece of work from 
the 38 designs selected by your Commission at our works at 
Clyde, Ohio, and every monument will be erected in our show 
room subject to the inspection of your Commission and the 
command for which it is intended. In this way survivors 
may be enabled to see the work which they otherwise never 
would see, and should any changes of a simple nature be sug- 
gested by such survivors, seconded and approved by your Com- 
mission they would be made without charge. 



3i6 Ohio at Vicksburg 

The 26 designs for Regiments of Infantry, 1 1 designs for 
Batteries, and l design for Battalion of Cavalry selected, and 
the scale drawings for selected designs attached to this writing 
shall constitute our proposal and we agree to build and erect 
in a good and workmanlike manner the monuments represented 
by such designs and scale drawings at the National Military 
Park at Vicksburg, Miss., for the sum of ^49,000, itemized as 
follows : 

26 Regiments of Infantry engaged, $1,460 each 1^37,960 

1 1 Batteries of Artillery engaged, $g6o each 10,560 

I Battalion of Cavalry engaged 480 

$49,000 
(Signed) The Hughes Granite and Marble Co., 

Per W. E. Hughes. 

Drawings: — Should your Commission prefer a different 
position or location for the State Seal above referred to, the 
same will be made in accordance with your wishes. 

Material: — We propose to use the best grade of Barre 
granite (a sample of the same submitted with this proposal to 
your Commission) free from iron, sulphur, cracks, sap, black 
knots, or any other unsightly imperfections. 

Cutting: — All plain and axed surfaces are to be twelve 
cut and all plain surfaces are to be ground down under the 
wheels and finished or bushed with pneumatic tools; all 
mouldings are to be cut with pneumatic tools, and all shoul- 
ders and lugs are to be cut square down and finished with 
pneumatic tools, this being the finest and best work done in 
granite. 

All of the bases and joints shall be leveled and cut so that 
they will make a neat fitting, close joint and the same when 
set will be leaded with concave wedge lead so that all joints 
will be absolutely impervious to water. 

Bottom beds of all bottom bases shall be jointed so that 
the same when set upon the foundation shall present a smooth, 
even and clean appearance. 

Rock Work: — All the rock work as shown on designs 
shall be clean, even and smooth and the same shall either be 
broken by a flame or from the point of the tool, so as not to 
leave a rough and unsightly surface. 



Appointment and Work of the Ohio Commission 317 

Polishing: — All polished surfaces shall have a good gloss, 
be even, smooth, clean and free from stuns and holes. 

Carving: — ^The suggested emblems on monuments as 
shown on scale drawings, will be raised and carved in a bold 
and artistic manner. Full size drawings and models will be 
submitted to your Commission, subject to their approval before 
the commencement of the work. 

Clyde, O., August 19, 1902. 
To the Members of the Ohio Ficksburg Battlefield Commission: 

Gentlemen: I hereby certify that the following is a 
correct transcript of the minutes of the Board of Directors of 
the Hughes Granite and Marble Company made at their 
regular meeting, August 4, 1902. 

Qyde, O., August 4, 1902. 
Regular meeting of Board of Directors, President W. E. 
Hughes in the chair. Directors present: Hughes, Metzgar, 
Vogt and Schlenk. Moved and seconded that the president, 
W, E. Hughes, be authorized and instructed to contract for 
the Company with the Ohio Vicksburg Battlefield Commission 
for the erection of 38 monuments upon the Vicksburg battle- 
field for the sum of ^49,000, with full power and authority to 
arrange all the details of said contract with said Commission. 
Carried by the aye votes of Hughes, Metzgar, Schlenk and 
Vogt. Meeting adjourned. 

Attest: — Homer Metzgar of H. G. and M. Co. 

Homer Metzgar, 
Secretary of H'ughes Granite and Marble Co. 

Desiring to please all comrades and their friends interested 
in their respective regimental monuments, the Commission 
arranged with the contractors to place on exhibition at the 
Great Southern Hotel 97 separate designs of monumental 
work suitable for military parks, and immediately published 
the following notice which explains itself: 

The Ohio Vicksburg Battlefield Commission has closed a 
contract with the Hughes Granite and Marble Company, of 
Clyde, Ohio, for the building and erecting of 38 monuments 
on the Vicksburg Military Park at Vicksburg, Miss. 

It is the earnest wish of the Commission, and we now 



31 8 Ohio at Vicksburg 

invite a committee of three or more from each of the follow- 
ing Ohio organizations that participated in the siege to visit 
this city (Columbus, Ohio) any day betw^een September i and 
September 6 inclusive, and select a monument from the different 
designs that will be on exhibition at the Great Southern Hotel 
to mark the position they occupied during said siege, beginning 
May i8 and ending July 4, 1863. 

A failure on the part of any of the Ohio organizations to 
avail themselves of this opportunity to select their own monu- 
ment, between said dates, September i and September 6 in- 
clusive, the Commission will assume the responsibility of 
selecting a monument for their organization and proceed to 
the building and erection of the same in Vicksburg Military 
Park. 

The following Ohio organizations participated in the siege 
of Vicksburg: 
i6th Ohio Infantry. 57th Ohio Infantry. 2d Ohio Battery. 



20th 




58th 




3d 




22d 




68th 




4th 




30th 




70th 




5th 




32d 




72d 




7th 




37th 




76th 




8th 




42 d 




78th 




loth 




46th 




80th 




nth 




47th 




83d 




15th 




48th 




95th 




i6th 




53d 




96th 




17th 




54th 




114th 




4th Cc 


). Ohio Cav. 


56th 




1 20th 




Yost's 


captured Bat- 
tery. 


W. P. 


Gault, 


Secretary, 52 


South Grant 


avenue. 


Columbus, 



Yost*s captured Battery manned by Company F, 32d 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from and after May 16, 
1863, but not mustered regularly as an Ohio organization until 
December 22, 1863, was distinctly an Ohio organization during 
the siege of Vicksburg. Believing them to be lavs^ully en- 
titled to a battery monument, the secretary of this Commission 
opened correspondence with the chairman of the National 
Commission, asking them to recognize the battery as an Ohio 
organization. After the exchange of opinions by letter the 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 319 

National Commission allowed the Ohio Commission to place a 
battery monument in the Park to mark the position they 
occupied during the siege. The decision of the National 
Commission met with the approval of the Ohio Commission, 
who immediately ordered an additional battery monunient at 
a cost of ^1,000, which increased the battery organizations to 
12, and the total of Ohio organizations to 39. 

As an expression of the kindly feeling and appreciation the 
Ohio Vicksburg Battlefield Commission holds for The Hughes 
Granite and Marble Company, of Clyde, Ohio, the Com- 
mission in regular session on December 23, 1904, unanimously 
passed the following resolution: 

Resolution, 

Whereas, The Hughes Granite and Marble Company, of 
Clyde, Ohio, having fully completed its contract with the Ohio 
Battlefield Commission for monuments and markers, and placed 
the same on Vicksburg National Military Park, and 

Whereas, The material in said monuments and markers 
has been fully equal to that contracted for, and the work done 
upon the same has been better even than that contracted for, 
and the said company having done more than the contract 
required of them, therefore. 

Resolved, That this Commission tender their thanks to 
the said The Hughes Granite and Marble Company for the 
reasons above set forth. 



DEDICATION OF OHIO MONUMENTS AND 

MARKERS ON VICKSBURG NATIONAL 

MILITARY PARK, MAY 22D, 1905 

At a meeting of the Ohio Vicksburg Battlefield Commission 
held at the Neil House, Columbus, Ohio, on December 23, 
1904, Monday May 22, 1905, was selected as the day to dedicate 
the Ohio monuments in Vicksburg National Military Park, 
and to officially transfer the 39 monuments and the 20 markers, 
.through the Honorable Myron T. Herrick, Governor of Ohio, 
to the care and custody of the United States. 



320 Ohio at Vicksburg 

At trie same meeting the secretary of the Commission was 
directed to open correspondence with the Central Passenger 
Association, and the Southeastern Passenger Association, and 
secure as favorable rates from all points in Ohio toVicksburg 
and return, as possible. The result of the correspondence 
was satisfactory to the Commission, the passenger associations 
having granted a rate of one cent per mile for the round trip, 
making a ticket cost ^19.05 from Columbus, and ^15.65 
from Cincinnati, good for 15 days from date of sale. 

The roads selected by the Commission going were the 
Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern to Louisville, Ky., and the 
Illinois Central from Louisville to Vicksburg. Returning, 
over the Queen and Crescent, via Jackson, Miss., Meridian, 
Miss., and Chattanooga, Tenn., with stopover privileges at 
Champion's Hill, Jackson and Chattanooga. The special 
train left Columbus for Vicksburg at 2.30 p. m., Friday, May 
19, with three Pullman sleepers, one day coach, one baggage 
car, and Governor Herrick's private car, having on board 
150 passengers. On arrival at Cincinnati two more sleepers 
were attached to the train, with 90 passengers on board. 

The special train from Columbus to Louisville was in 
charge of Comrade D. S. Wilder, division passenger agent 
B. and O. S. W., and from Louisville to Vicksburg, was in 
charge of Joseph Biggs, division passenger agent of the Illinois 
Central, both gentlemen of large experience in conducting 
excursions of this kind, and by their jovial and cheerful natures, 
put every passenger in a cheerful and happy mood during the 
entire trip. 

Comrade Wilder is not only a veteran in railroading, but 
was a veteran in the war of the rebellion from 1862 to 1865, 
and experienced for 18 months the untold horrors of Anderson- 
ville, and other Confederate prisons. 

As the advance guard of the excursion, Governor Herrick, 
through his adjutant-general, A. B. Critchfield, ordered the 
1st Regiment, Ohio National Guards, under command of 
Colonel Charles Hake, into camp at the city of Vicksburg 
for ten days. The regiment reached Vicksburg the afternoon 
of May 19, and established their camp in the Military Park, 
a short distance south of the "White House." The arrival 
of the regiment at Vicksburg created great enthusiasm on the 
part of the citizens which was maintained at high tide until 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 321 

the final departure of the last Ohioan for their homes. The 
regiment presented a very fine appearance, and was highly 
complimented, both by the citizens and press generally. 

The special train bearing Governor Herrick and party, 
reached Vicksburg Saturday evening, May 20, at 5.30 p. m., 
meeting with no accident to mar the pleasure of the trip. On 
arrival at Vicksburg, Governor Herrick was greeted with an 
enthusiastic reception, not only by the ist Regiment O. N. 
Guards, but by the citizens, and citizen soldiery of Vicksburg 
as well, demonstrating that the South had not yet forgotten 
how to show their accustomed hospitality to strangers within 
their gates. Large pictures of Governor Herrick could be 
seen in the windows of the more prominent places of business 
in all parts of the city. The Ohio party had scarcely time for 
a breathing spell after reaching the city, when a delegation 
from the lodge of Elks called on the Governor, and extended to 
him, and through him to the Ohio party, an invitation to a 
banquet in their beautiful apartments, which for elegance 
could not be surpassed, and only equalled by a similar lodge of 
Elks. 

Governor Herrick's speech at the banquet completely 
captivated the citizens of Vicksburg, and was a topic of favor- 
able comment during the remainder of his sojourn among the 
good citizens of that historic city. 

Early Sunday morning, the veterans of the Ohio party 
could be seen wending their way out to the Military Park, 
eager to look once more at the position they occupied on the 
investment line frorp May 19 to July 4, 1863. 

In all parts of the Park one could see groups of old gray- 
headed veterans, who in their boyhood days of 42 years ago, 
stood in that same locality, gun in hand and cartridge box 
well filled, ready to do or die for the honor and vindication of 
the flag of the Union. No more interesting and inspiring 
picture for the study of an artist could have been found than to 
have painted the emotions of those old veterans, as their faces 
could be seen clouded with sorrow when relating perhaps the 
suffering of one of their comrades, and again radiant with 
pride when speaking of the final victory that occurred on that 
spot, July 4, 1863. In strolling over the Park we find here, a 
group of those old gray-headed veterans, all smiles and laughter 
while one of them is vividly describing some innocent prank 



322 Ohio at Vicksburg 

played on one of their comrades during the siege. A few rods 
farther down the avenue we see another group standing with 
bowed heads, and expressions that betoken sorrow. Listen! 
One of their group is relating the experiences of his company 
or regiment in that fearful assault of May 22, 1863, when 
General Grant's army, in the short space of five hours, lost 
in killed and wounded 3,199 officers and men. See him point- 
ing to the very spot where this or that comrade fell, pierced by 
a ball fired from the enemy's line of battle; or where John, Jo, 
or Bill was mortally wounded, and describing the scene when 
the stretcher bearers came up and carried away his comrades; 
how tenderly they picked him up and slowly carried him back 
to the amputating table in the field hospital. 

We pass on, and soon we see another group, but larger 
than the others. On inquiry we find ourselves standing on a 
sacred spot of ground. 42 years ago this same spot of ground 
was covered with the hospital tent, and was known as the 
field hospital of the 13th, 15th, or 17th Army Corps. As the 
group of Ohio comrades stood on this spot of ground, made 
sacred by the fearful agony and suffering endured by comrades 
during and after that terrible assault, their memories revert 
back to the month of May, 1863, when a portion of those 
3,199 officers and men could be seen lying under that tent 
awaiting their turn for the surgeon, with instruments in 
hand, to come and either relieve him by amputation, or 
complete the fatal work that was commenced on the line 
of battle, or where perchance his bunkmate lost an arm 
or leg, while gallantly placing the flag of his country on 
the battlements of the enemy. Some could be seen 
lying silently on their bed of straw or leaves, intently 
gazing on the picture of a dear wife, child, or dear one, while 
others were crying out in their agony for some one to kill them 
and end their sufferings. Such groups could be seen in all 
parts of the Park from early Sunday morning, until the twilight 
of the evening reminded them that they must return to the city, 
and seek rest for the night, so that they might be better pre- 
pared for the duties of the coming day. 

DEDICATION. 

Dedication morning, Monday, May 22, 1905, was ushered 
in with a downpour of rain, which in some degree interfered 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 323 

with the success of the dedicatory exercises. However, toward 
noon therew^asa rift in the clouds, and at 11.30 a. m., the pro- 
cession formed at the Carroll House in the city, and moved 
by way of the National Cemetery and Union avenue to the 
junction of Grant and Union avenues where the dedicatory 
exercises were to be held. Upon arrival the exercises were 
opened by firing a salute from the Vicksburg Battery, followed by 
a selection from the ist Regiment Ohio National Guard band. 
The chairman. Captain J. B. Allen, then introduced the Rev. 
Howard Henderson, chaplain of the Ohio regiment, who 
invoked the Divine blessing, after which addresses were de- 
livered according to the following program: 

Program 

Dedication of Ohio Memorials on Vicksburg National 

Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 

May 22, 1905. 

1. National Salute, Vicksburg Battery. 

2. Music — "America," ist Regiment O. N. G. Band. 

3. Invocation, Rev. Howard Henderson, D. D. 

4. Report of the Ohio Commission, Sergeant W. P. 
Gault, Secretary of the Commission. 

5. Presentation of Memorials in behalf of the Ohio 
Commission to Hon. Myron T. Herrick, Governor, Capt. J. B. 
Allen, president. 

6. Presentation of Memorials to Captain William T. 
Rigby, representing the Hon. W. H. Taft, Secretary of War, 
Hon. Myron T. Herrick, Governor. 

7. Acceptance of Memorials on behalf of the War 
Department, U. S. A., Captain William T. Rigby, representing 
Hon. W. H. Taft, Secretary of War. 

8. Music — "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground," ist 
Regiment O. N. G. Band. 

9. Addresses by Col. W. R. Warnock, Capt. E. Z. 
Hays, Col. James Kilbourne, Major D. Cunningham, Hon. 
Walter George Smith, and Gen. Chas. W. Miner, Col. W. L. 
Curry. 

10. Music — "Star Spangled Banner," ist Regiment 
O. N. G. Band. 

11. Benediction, Rev. H. F. Sproals, D. D. 

12. Taps, 1st Regiment O. N. G. Band. 



324 Ohio at Vicksburg 



PRAYER BY REV. HENDERSON. 

The following invocation was delivered by Rev. Howard 
Henderson, D. D., chaplain of the regiment: 

O, Thou King of kings. Thou art seated upon a throne 
high and lifted up, and Thy sceptre is a right sceptre. Thou 
art so wise that Thou chargest Thy angels with folly; Thou 
art so pure that the very stars are unclean in Thy sight; yet 
Thou humblest Thyself to behold the things on the earth — 
Thy foot stool. We reverently recognize Thy righteous au- 
thority over us and over all men. Thou art the Father of 
Mercies, and we praise Thee for Thy goodness to us. 

We thank Thee for this bountiful works, and that we have 
been made to possess it, so that all chimes furnish our board, 
and all lands are tributary to the multiplication of our conven- 
iences and comforts. We laud Thy holy name for the dominion 
Thou hast given man over the world of nature. Thou hast 
harnessed the beasts of the field for his plow, and nursed the 
plume of the wild fowl for his casque. Thou hast subjected 
the elements to his service; Thou hast made them drive his car, 
ferry the seas, and convey his messages. Thou hast given him 
the earth to subdue, and in the conquest of difficulties and 
dangers Thou art crowning him with glory and honor. 

We thank Thee for the times in which we live. We are 
heirs to the past. Its treasures of wisdom, its inventions and 
discoveries are at our feet for use. We profit by the success and 
failures of foregone ages. Every balked endeavor of our race 
hedges in the true path and makes it easier to find. We will 
not repeat the errors that have baffled the efi^orts and postponed 
the hopes of our fathers, but we will find a better way. 

We glorify Thee for the land we love; for its free institu- 
tions, for its heroic history, for its fertile soil and varied climates; 
for a united country; for every state starred on our banner; for 
the reconciliation time and Thy grace hath wrought in our erst- 
while alienated people; for the plenty, peace and good will 
pervading all sections, and for the many providential auguries 
of a more glorious future. 

We confess our sins, private and public, and humbly 
beseech Thy fatherly forgiveness. Bless our republic. Carry 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 325 

to its best conclusion the advancing sentiment of national 
unity and fraternal love. May we have the grace to forget and 
forgive all past irritations, and the prejudices and passions born 
of civil war and political hostilities. Take the soreness out of 
all our hearts, and heal all our wounds that ache. May we 
join hands, buckle hearts and lock shields to promote the per- 
manent peace and righteous prosperity of our common country. 

We beseech Thee to bless the President of the United States 
and all in authoritv in the national and the State governments. 
And now, O Lord, hear us as to our mission in this city of the 
dead. We have come to this holy field to monument with 
marble the memory of her soldiers who fell battling for what 
they esteemed worthy of their lives. The stones we erect will 
testify the sacred records in which the commonwealth of Ohio 
holds her martyred soldiers. But, oh, Father! So endow our 
citizens with grateful regard for these fallen braves that nobler 
adornments may be built of crimson veined marble quarried 
from their loving hearts. We have come as representatives of 
the great commonwealth that sent them forth to honor their 
sleeping dust, and dedicate this sculptured stone to tell the 
deathless story of how they fought and fell. 

And here, by these hillocks, we pledge Thee eternal fidelity 
to that righteousness which exalteth a nature and removeth 
the reproach of sin. 

We will leave these graves, O Lord, under the ward of 
omnipotent protection, and the wrath of omniscience. May 
the generous people among whom these soldiers sleep spare 
tears and flowers as part of those who weep for them far away 
and we will not forget their sacramental dead, nor those dear to 
them whose dust is in our soil. 

Bless, O Lord, the dear ones who mourn these heroes, 
that they may not lack. Deprived of their natural protectors 
may the Republic care for them. Help us through our Lord, 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



326 Ohio at Vicksburg 



REPORT OF SECRETARY GAULT 

Columbus, O., May 22, 1905. 
Mr. President, Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen: 

By virtue of an act authorizing the appointment of a 
commission to ascertain, and mark the positions occupied by 
Ohio troops in the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and making 
an appropriation to pay the traveling expenses of the members 
of such commission, as passed by the Legislature of Ohio 
April 16, 1900, the Governor of Ohio appointed a commission 
consisting of six honorably discharged Ohio soldiers who had 
participated in the campaign and siege. The act empowered 
them to determine the positions occupied by the several 
Ohio organizations on the Vicksburg National Military 
Park, and to erect thereon suitable memorials, and markers 
to the 26 Ohio regiments of infantry, the 12 Ohio independent 
batteries of light artillery, and one company of cavalry, which 
were engaged in the campaign and siege. His excellency Hon. 
George K. Nash, Governor of Ohio, on the 29th day of Sept- 
ember, 1900, appointed on that commission, General Andrew 
Hickenlooper of Cincinnati, Col. A. H. Brown of Centerburg, 
Major Charles Hipp of St. Marys, Capt. J. B. Allen of Athens, 
Capt. E. Z. Hays of Warsaw, and Sergeant W. P. Gault of 
Columbus. November 16, 1901, Col. James Kilbourne of 
Columbus was appointed on the commission, vice General 
Andrew Hickenlooper resigned, and on May 25, 1903, Col. 
William H. Raynor was appointed on the commission, vice 
Col. A. H. Brown resigned. 

No other changes have occurred in the commission 
since the original appointments were made. 

November 14, 1900, the members of the commission met 
in the office of the clerk of the supreme court, Columbus, Ohio, 
and effected an organization by electing J. B. Allen, President, 
and W. P. Gault, Secretary, and at once entered upon the duties 
assigned them under their appointments. 

The commission made its first visit to the Park, April 16, 
1901. Ohio being the first state to take steps to establish the 
several positions where her organizations were engaged, 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 327 

it proved to be a very difficult task. But after careful study of 
the official reports of regimental, brigade, and division com- 
manders, and personal correspondence, and interviews with 
the surviving comrades of the organizations that participated 
in the siege, and last but not least the very courteous, and un- 
tiring assistance rendered us by Capt. W. T. Rigby, chairman 
of the Vicksburg National Military Park Commission, we were 
enabled to determine the true location of each Ohio organization. 
Having determined the locations, and the number of Ohio 
memorials required, the commission was now ready to make 
a contract for the required number of memorials, and their 
erection on this park. 

After carefully inspecting designs submitted by compet- 
ing monumental contractors, and having access to expert 
testimony relative to the actual value of similar designs, as 
submitted by contractors for work on other parks, the commis- 
sion decided to accept the designs and terms as proposed by 
the Hughes Granite & Marble Company of Clyde, Ohio. 
August 12, 1902, all details having been satisfactorily arranged, 
the commission entered into contract with that company for 
the erection of 39 momuments, and 20 markers on Vicksburg 
National Military Park, at a price not exceeding ;^ 1500.00 
each for 26 regimental memorials, ;^iooo.oo each for 12 indepen- 
dent light artillary memorials, and ^^500.00 for one company 
of cavalry. It affords me great pleasure to state, that the work 
executed, and placed on this Park for the Ohio Commission, 
by the Hughes Granite & Marble Co., is equal in finish to 
any erected on any park in this country at the same price, and 
in the judgment of this commission, superior to much of 
similar work heretofore placed on some of the parks. In 
several instances during the execution of the work, the con- 
tractors did more than the contract called for by adding to, 
and enlarging the designs at their own expense, in order that 
the Ohio boys who served through the campaign and siege 
would be perfectly satisfied with the memorials. 

OHIO organizations engaged with their casualties. 

The official records in the war department U. S. A. 
show the Ohio commands engaged in the campaign and 
siege of Vicksburg, from March 29, to July 4, 1863, with 
the casualties sustained to be as follows: 



328 Ohio at Vicksburg 

1 6th Ohio Infantry Casualties 50 

20th Ohio Infantry Casualties 103 

22nd Ohio Infantry No loss reported 

30th Ohio Infantry Casualties 64 

32nd Ohio Infantry Casualties 50 

37th Ohio Infantry Casualties 97 

42nd Ohio Infantry Casualties 151 

46th Ohio Infantry No loss reported 

47th Ohio Infantry Casualties 99 

48th Ohio Infantry Casualties 48 

53rd Ohio Infantry No loss reported 

54th Ohio Infantry Casualties 20 

56th Ohio Infantry Casualties 128 

57th Ohio Infantry Casualties 31 

58th Ohio Infantry Casualties 29 

68th Ohio Infantry Casualties 82 

70th Ohio Infantry. No loss reported 

72nd Ohio Infantry Casualties 23 

76th Ohio Infantry . Casualties 6 

78th Ohio Infantry Casualties 73 

80th Ohio Infantry Casualties 54 

83rd Ohio Infantry Casualties 38 

95th Ohio Infantry Casualties 18 

96th Ohio Infantry Casualties 3 

114th Ohio Infantry Casualties 62 

I20th Ohio Infantry Casualties 26 

2nd Ohio Battery Light Artilery Casualties 3 

3rd Ohio Battery Light Artilery No loss reported 

4th Ohio Battery Light Artilery No loss reported 

5th Ohio Battery Light Artilery Casualties 2 

7th Ohio Battery Light Artilery No loss reported 

8th Ohio Battery Light Artilery No loss reported 

loth Ohio Battery Light Artilery No loss reported 

nth Ohio Battery Light Artilery No loss reported 

15th Ohio Battery Light Artilery No loss reported 

i6th Ohio Battery Light Artilery Casualties 3 

17th Ohio Battery Light Artilery Casualties 3 

26th Ohio Battery Light Artilery No loss reported 

One Company Ohio Cavalry, (Gen. McPher- 

son's escort) No loss reported 

Total casualties in Ohio commands, as offi- 
cially reported 1320 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 329 

In compiling the casualties in the Ohio commands during 
the campaign and siege of Vicksburg, the commission, after 
diligent research, find the casualties of the Ohio troops not of- 
ficially reported to exceed 200. Add this number to the casu- 
alties officially reported, and we find the aggregate casualty of 
Ohio troops in the campaign and siege to be 1520. 



FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

THE OHIO-VICKSBURG BATTLEFIELD COMMISSION IN ACCOUNT 
WITH THE STATE OF OHIO. 

1900. 

April 16, To appropriation for preliminary work. . . .$ 1000 00 

1902 

April 15, To appropriation for memorials and markers 56000 00 



Total appropriation $57000 00 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

190 1 

Nov. 16, By expenses of commission for preliminary 

work on Vicksburg Park, as officially reported . .$ 861 71 
Balance unexpended of preliminary appropria- 
tion $ 138 29 

Nov., i90i,toNov., 1902, By expense of commission 
under monumental appropriation, as officially 
reported $ 445 84 

Nov., 1902, to Nov., 1903, By expense of commission 
under monumental appropriation, including the 
first and second estimate of the Hughes Granite & 
Marble Company, as officially reported 1^25412 27 

Nov., 1903, to Nov., 1904, By expense of commission 
under monumental appropriation, including the 
third estimate of the Hughes Granite & Marble 
Company, as officially reported $12765 40 

Nov., 1904, to date. May 22, 1905, By expense of com- 
mission under monumental appropriation includ- 
ing the fourth and last estimate of the Hughes 



^^0 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Granite & Marble Company, as officially re- 
ported ^^15227 75 

Disbursements under monumental appropriation. . $53851 26 

1905 

Total amount paid the Hughes Granite & Marble 

Company under the contract ;^52o66 65 

Expenses of the commission 1784 61 

Balance unexpended to date, May 22, 1905 2148 74 

Total $56000 00 

The work for which this commission was created is now 
completed, and the 39 memorials, and 20 markers which mark 
the positions occupied by the Ohio troops on the Vicksburg 
National Military Park are now in position. May they stand 
for ages to come as silent witnesses to the heroism, valor and 
patriotism displayed by the 11,984 Ohio soldiers who braved 
the heat of the battle, for the maintenance, and perpetuity of 
one undivided country, and one flag. They stand here today 
an honor to our state, and to future generations will show the 
part Ohio's sons took in the most brilliant, best conceived, 
and hardest fought campaign of the Civil War, that of Vicks- 
burg, and to the everlasting honor of the great state of Ohio. 

They are now ready to be officially transferred from the 
hands of the Ohio-Vicksburg Battlefield Commission, to his 
Excellency Hon. Myron T. Herrick, Governor of Ohio. 

Respectfully submitted 

W. P. GAULT, 
Secretary to the Commission. 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 331 



ADDRESS BY JOSIAH B. ALLEN, PRESIDENT. 

We meet here today with the evidence of peace and 
tranquillity all about us. "The May sun shines and the May 
evening fades," and the people go about their usual occupations 
without question and annoyance. The Mississippi flows by on 
its way to the gulf, bearing on its bosom the trade and traffic of 
peaceful and industrious states. The songs of the bird are 
undisturbed today among these hills and valleys. 

What a different scene met our eyes forty-two years ago 
this day. War was here with all its dreadful concomitants. 
Over four thousand men gave their lives around the defense of 
this city. Death and devastation were on every hand. It was 
a desperate effort from without met by a desperate effort 
from within. 

In the midst of that terrible conflict Federals and Confed- 
erates recognized the courage and determination of each other. 
It was after such days as May 22, 1863, that those Europeans 
who, before the war, predicted that Americans neyer would 
fight, began to predict that they never would cease fighting. 

Let me refer to one small, almost insignificant, event of 
that never-to-be-forgotten day. A certain Federal regiment 
was stationed near the Confederate fortification. It was 
directed to storm the stronghold at that point. Volunteers 
were called for to perform the very dangerous work. The 
whole regiment volunteered to undertake the task. They were 
told in detail just what they were to do and that it was, in all 
probability, a fatal enterprise. When the volunteers were in 
line just ready to advance the commandant, a veteran who had 
seen much service, stepped in front of the line and spoke to 
them. What would he say ? There was the fortification 
before them, its guns all turned upon them. They knew that 
death was there and they knew that in all probability they 
were looking for the last time upon the sun. The officer 
knew it all. He knew the men, also. He uttered neither 
words of encouragement, nor hope, nor praise. He said 
nothing of dying for glory or renown, but before that terrible 
prospect said simply "Boys, do your duty." He knew that 



332 Ohio at Vicksburg 

an appeal to duty alone would inspire them in that dreadful 
hour. This was the sentiment which carried them into the 
hail of fire which would then forget pain, suffering and death. 
Duty to what .? I suppose many of them had not even taken 
time to consider the question. In some confused way they 
understood, and that was enough for them. Duty first to a 
government which was engaged in a struggle for its own 
existence and its place in society, and duty to those who were to 
be in the generations to come. 

May we, who were here on the day of the general assault 
of Vicksburg, not inspire ourselves and those about us at 
home and throughout all this broad land by an appeal to 
duty, duty to one another and to the best interests of our own 
great, reunited country. 

The Ohio Vicksburg Commission as appointed by Gover- 
nor Nash consisted of Gen. Andrew Hickenlooper, of the 
Fifth Ohio Artillery, Capt. E. Z. Hays, of the 32nd Ohio, 
Major Charles Hipp, of the 37th Ohio, Sergeant W. P. Gault, 
of the 78th Ohio, Col. A. H. Brown, of the 96th Ohio, and Ser- 
geant Josiah B. Allen, of the 30th Ohio. 

The Commission met on the fifth of September, 1902, 
at the office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Ohio, and 
organized by electing Josiah B. Allen, President, and W. P. 
Gault, Secretary, who have held their respective offices through- 
out the operations of this Commission. 

Death visited our ranks, taking from us our beloved 
comrade. Gen. Hickenlooper, mention of whose gallant services 
as a soldier and distinguished achievements in civil life will be 
made in the official report of this Commission. To fill the 
vacancy caused by the death of Gen. Hickenlooper, Governor 
Nash appointed Col. James Kilbourne, of the 95th Ohio. The 
continued illness of Col. Brown rendered his resignation neces- 
sary and Gen. William H. Raynor, of the 56th Ohio, was 
appointed as his successor. 

The labors of the Commission have been arduous, but 
each member of the Commission has done his full part to carry 
out the intention of the act creating such Commission. In all 
our deliberations there has been absolute harmony, and a 
comradeship has grown among us that will last until we are 
mustered into the ranks beyond. 

I want here to express the sentiment of this entire Commis- 
sion as to their appreciation of the services of our worthy 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 333 

Secretary, W. P. Gault. Without hope of compensation, his 
work, although colossal, has been done cheerfully and with an 
intelligence that is commendable and appreciated by all. 

In the contract for our monuments, the Commission acted 
with the one idea of securing to the state the best services 
possible for the limited amount of means in our hands, and at 
this time we desire to express our thanks and appreciation to 
the Hughes Granite and Marble Company for their courteous 
and conscientious execution of the work assigned them. The 
Ohio monument located in this park is certainly a monument 
to the efficiency of the work of that company. 

In the many difficulties encountered in locating the 
position of different organizations in this park the Ohio Commis- 
sion is under lasting obligations to the indefatigable and 
intelligent co-operation of Capt. W. T. Rigby, chairman of 
the National Commission, who has, at all times, cheerfully 
given us valuable aid in our labors. While in some instances 
monuments and markers may not be placed on the exact 
spot where the different organizations claimed to have op- 
erated, yet the commission has exhausted every effort in at- 
tempting to be correct in their selection. 

And now. Governor Herrick, it is my duty as President 
of the Ohio Commission to transfer to you these monuments 
which shall stand for ages to perpetuate the valor and heroism 
of the soldiers, dead and living, who fought on this historic 
field, believing that these monuments will teach future genera- 
tions loyalty and love of country. Generations to come can 
never know the hardships we endured, the terrific fighting 
participated in on these fields, but they can revere and reverence 
the patriotism that inspired the soldiers to.such acts of courage, 
whether they wore the blue or the gray. 

And now after forty-two years have elapsed we again 
visit the scene of our conflict, although only a remnant is left 
of those two grand armies that contended for the mastery of 
this stronghold, yet to that remnant is recalled vividly the 
carnage of May 22, 1863, and here today the blue and gray 
meet alike proud of the achievements of our country since 
this strife, and also proud of the fact that sectionalism has 
vanished from our land and they who were in front during the 
bloody strife of '61 to '65 have done more to bring about 
universal harmony than any other class. 



334 Ohio at Vicksburg 

When that great, silent soldier after Appomattox gave 
utterance to that immortal sentence, "Let us have peace," 
that sentiment was taken up by the soldiery of the country and 
it has been sounded down through the corridors of time unto 
the present day where it finds an echo in every heart, both 
North and South. In my mind it is likened unto the mandate 
of the Creator of the Universe, when he said," Let there be 
light and there was light." General Grant said, "Let us 
have peace," and there was peace. 



ADDRESS BY GOV. HERRICK. 

I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Governor of 
Mississippi and to the hospitable people of the city of Vicks- 
burg for the cordial welcome extended to my party and to my- 
self during our brief visit here. Governor Vardaman most 
graciously granted the request to move armed Ohio troops 
through his state and permitted their encampment near your 
beautiful city. He also extended me a hearty invitation to 
visit him at your capital City, which, did time permit, I would 
gladly accept. I am pleased to note that the relations existing 
between the commonwealths of Ohio and Mississippi are not 
so strained as they were in the sixties. Perhaps our Ohio 
people who came down here forty-two years ago overlooked 
some of these little formalities and amenities which we were 
careful to observe. However, no one can deny that they were 
then, as we are now, "warmly received." 

We of the north and south who meet here today as men 
and brothers, vying with each other in love of our common 
country, may realize, more fully than ever before, as we turn 
the pages of history, that a wise Providence watches over and 
shapes the destinies of nations, that men are but pawns on 
the chess-board of fate, and that an overruling power ever 
moves toward the goal of mankind's greatest good. In the 
beginning leaders of both the north and the south had made 
their plans for the ending of the fateful struggle, but Provi- 
dence interposed, controlled and consummated on higher 
planes, not in accordance with either of the human ways. 
Who today would seek to change that decree ? So, after all 
these intervening years, 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 335 

"We come, we come not in battle array 
With bugle, and drums loudly beating, 

But we come in the peace of this hallowed day, 
Our love for the brave fondly keeping. 

"The march and the field with their horrors have fled, 

The camp in green pastures is lying; 
The horseman no longer rides over the dead, 

No heroes in battle lie dying. 

"The sword and the sabre lie rusting away 
Where the hands of loved peace have lain them, 

And a nation is fervently blessing the day 

When no blood of the warrior will stain them. " 

Time has mellowed the tints of the lurid picture of long 
ago. Dread realities are fast becoming but memories and our 
mission here today is to aid in perpetuating these memories, 
to formally dedicate the monuments placed upon this battle- 
field by our grateful state, in recognition of the bravery, 
sacrifice and loyal devotion of her sons, living and dead, who 
participated in the fierce struggle that waged about this city 
forty-two long years ago. Through the action of their General 
Assembly in 1902, Ohio has caused to be placed in this 
Park, thirty-nine monuments and twenty markers, in the 
positions occupied by the twenty-six Ohio regiments of in- 
fantry, the twelve batteries, and the one troop of cavalry 
participating in the Vicksburg campaign. 

As chief Executive of the state, I commend the Ohio 
Vicksburg Battlefield Commission for the complete and 
conscientious execution of the trust imposed upon them. 
The result of their labors will abide for ages here in this beau- 
tiful Park which has been set apart by our Nation as a place 
sanctified by American valor. 

Upon this Battlefield, around this now peaceful and 
prosperous city, was fought one of the greatest and most 
decisive battles of the Civil War. 

Here the besieged Confederates on the one hand, and the 
attacking Union army, reenforced by the fleet of ironclads 
and gunboats, on the other, for forty-seven days struggled for 
the mastery. We need not long dwell upon the result — it is 



336 Ohio at Vicksburg 

written in history. The Union army and navy under General 
Grant and Admiral Porter were victorious, and the Confed- 
erate army, numbering more than thirty thousand, surren- 
dered, leaving the northern armies free to operate in other 
fields. 

The story of the battle of Vicksburg makes a peculiarly 
strong appeal to all sons of Ohio. No braver soldiers ever 
went forth to battle than the Ohio men who were in the 
different commands engaged in that contest. Nor must we 
forget the gallant Ohio boys who were in the United States 
navy operating on the Mississippi and whose bravery so 
signally contributed to the success of the Union cause. The 
places of these soldiers and sailors in the affections of their 
countrymen are secure. Citizens of Ohio will ever be proud of 
the fact that it was one of her humble homes, one of her sturdy 
families, which gave to the world the great chieftain of this 
battle — that silent soldier, whose face and form mankind will 
never forget — brave, modest, magnanimous Grant. 

In speaking of him and his connection with the campaign 
in the vicinity of Vicksburg, a recent historian has said: "In 
eighteen days. Grant had marched two hundred miles, defeated 
the enemy in four engagements, inflicting a loss of eight 
thousand men and taking eighty-eight guns, and shut up a 
large army in Vicksburg — all this upon five days' rations. It 
is a brilliant record, equalled, if at all, only by some of Napo- 
leon's campaigns." But Grant had his Pemberton, even as 
Wellington had his Napoleon, and while Pemberton, opposed 
as he was by the Union forces, and with famine threatening, 
was obliged to surrender, he and his gallant men made such a 
splendid defense as to forever extract all ignominy from the 
defeat. We are told that when Vicksburg capitulated there 
was no exultant cheering by the Union forces over their tri- 
umph. Cheers were heard but once, and these arose from 
the left of the Union line, where the boys in blue, in honor of 
their brave antagonists, gave hearty cheers for "the defenders 
of Vicksburg." General Grant himself said in one of his 
communications with General Pemberton," Men who have 
shown such endurance and courage as those now in Vicksburg 
will always challenge the respect of an adversary." 

It is needless to speak of the details of the contest, for they 
are known to all. Nor are we here to glory in the defeat of the 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 337 

south, or to boast of the triumph of the north; but we are here 
as Americans, grateful alike for the various deeds of the Blue 
and the Gray, which have now become the common heritage 
of the whole reunited people. 

This great family of states, as is too often the case with 
other families, become estranged because of divergent opin- 
ions in regard to something inherited from the fathers — the 
institution of slavery — but, family like, were finally brought 
together around the open graves of their loved ones. 

The prophecy of Lincoln, uttered v/hile yet the terrible 
storm was brewing, displaying the prevision of a seer, has been 
fulfilled: "The mystic chords of memory, stretching from 
every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and 
hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus 
of the Union, w^hen again touched, as surely they will be, by the 
better angels of our nature." Had Lincoln lived, there can be 
no doubt but the readjustment would have come long before it 
did, and the mistakes of the reconstruction policy, which were 
harder to bear for many than the war, would never have 
occurred. The reconciliation has been slow, but is now happily 
complete. An early and mutely eloquent herald of this better 
day is a memorial window in Trinity Church in this city of 
Vicksburg, placed there some twenty-five years ago, which 
indicates the fraternal spirit manifest even then. It is dedi- 
cated "To the Soldiers of both Armies Engaged in the Siege 
and Defense of Vicksburg." 

Many agencies have been working to obliterate the 
bitterness, hatred and distrust once existing between the 
sections. It remained for the policy pursued in connection 
with the Spanish-American war to dispel the last vestige of 
suspicion or hostility that lingered betw^een the north and 
south. When President McKinley gave Generals Fitzhugh 
Lee and Joe Wheeler commissions in the army of the United 
States, he but expressed the confidence in the loyalty of the 
south which was held by the people of the north; and w^hen 
Generals Lee and Wheeler donned the uniforms of blue, it was 
a guarantee of the genuine love for the old flag entertained by 
the . people of the south. 

No one thing contributed more to this restoration of love 
and confidence between the sections than the fraternal words so 
sincerely spoken at Atlanta, Georgia, after the close of the 



338 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Spanish-American war, by President McKinley. He was 
expressing his gratification at the reunion of his people, and 
speaking of our soldier dead. Said he,"What an army of 
silent sentinels we have, and with what loving care their graves 
are kept! Every soldier's grave, made during our unfor- 
tunate Civil War, is a tribute to American valor. And 
while, when those graves were made, we differed widely about 
the future of this Government, those differences were long 
ago settled by the arbitrament of arms; and the time has 
now come in the evolution of sentiment and feeling, under 
the providence of God, when, in the spirit of friendship, we 
should share with you in the care of the graves of Confederate 
soldiers." We Ohioans here most reverently acquiesce in 
the fraternal sentiment of our dead Chieftain. 

When President McKinley came to his untimely end, 
none of the tributes which welled up from the great, sad 
hearts of the people were more loving or tender or sincere 
than those from the south. I remember, while he lay stricken 
at Buffalo, lingering between life and death, how the messages, 
breathing sympathy and hope and cheer, came pouring into 
the house of suffering from every part of the south. When 
General Lee, patriot, statesman, and soldier, was so recently 
taken from us, his loss was nowhere more deeply mourned, 
nor his name more highly honored, than in Ohio. His last 
public appearance in Ohio was when last January he attended 
the McKinley birthday anniversary banquet at Canton, 
where he made an eloquent and stirring address, expressed by 
himself and his people for the memory of McKinley. 

While in the presence of the ever increasing number of 
soldier's graves, we as a people have forgotten our differences 
of the past, we should never cease to profit by the lessons to be 
learned from the lives of our soldiers. Devotion to duty, 
love of country, and a steadfast adherence to the loftiest 
standard of honor, were the characteristics of the true soldier. 

Their work is done, their fame is secure. But their very 
successes, their sacrifices and their triumphs, have imposed 
upon us a most solemn responsibility. The manifest duty 
rests upon every American citizen, to zealously guard the 
heritage guaranteed us by the soldiers of all our wars. We 
cannot overestimate the importance of our free institutions in 
the Twentieth century christianization and civilization move- 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 339 

ment. Eternal vigilance is now as of old the price of the 
maintenance and advancement of these institutions. Na- 
tions, like men, do not long remain stationary — they either 
advance or recede. We have dragged the cross over a long 
and stormy road from the day of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence to our present high estate. It was the widening, char- 
acter-making, constructive genius of our people that made the 
triumphal march of the past decade possible — that placed us in 
our exalted position among nations — our diplomacy heeded in 
every counsel, our flag honored on every sea, our prosperity 
the envy of all governments. This was not chance; it was the 
result of a priceless inheritance, rugged, sterling character, 
from our Puritan Cavalier ancestors. We as a nation need 
fear no backward step and shall continue our restless advance, 
so long as young men such as those who have fought in all the 
wars of the Republic are ready to respond to their country's 
call, and we have them today all over the broad land, in the 
factory and on the farm, in counting-houses and colleges, in the 
office and store — in all the places where men are pursuing the 
peaceful walks of life. The high standard of our citizenship 
will continue to be upheld and carried onward if the father of 
today does not permit the bequest of his dollars to submerge 
the "Spirit of '76," — a marvelous asset — which warms the 
blood of the boy. 

Peace, no less than war, has its battles. They are in our 
day, as there will be in the future, questions constantly arising, 
upon the correct courageous settlement of which the welfare of 
our country will depend. Problems growing out of the 
present day industrial conditions and evolution, the discovery 
of effective means of protecting the people from the oppressions 
of overweaning greed, the preservation of friendly relations 
between labor and capital, besides many others that are 
recognized by all students of public affairs, are such as to call 
for the greatest patience, the profoundest wisdom, and the 
most lofty patriotism for their proper solution. I have no 
sympathy with the pessimist who persists in crying that the 
world is growing worse. It is better relatively and in the 
aggregate than at any period in all the scope of history. There 
is more true religion in the hearts of men, more true charity 
practiced, more millions showered from the hands of philan- 
thropy, and more attention shown "every just cause that 



340 Ohio at Vicksburg 

lacks assistance and every wrong that needs resistance" than 
ever before known. There are instances too numerous of 
individual, corporate and organized oppression, but we can 
rely upon their correction through peaceful methods. In 
seeking to right the individual wrong, we should be careful to 
do nothing that will impair the general welfare. Let us hope 
that the private citizen and public servant alike, in the peaceful 
struggles of our national life, may ever be equipped with the 
same sterling qualities possessed by the soldiers at the battle of 
Vicksburg, and upon the countless other fiercely contested 
fields of the Civil War. In all walks of life there can be no 
better guide or example than the principles of courage, fidel- 
ity, and honor which characterized the soldier of the north and 
south from 1861 to 1865. 

Ohio has honored her soldier sons, but no more than was 
justified by their heroic services to the Union. She has erect- 
ed monuments and memorials at Gettysburg, Antietam, 
Shiloh, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and Andersonville. 
Within her own borders she has a home for soldiers and sailors, 
a home for the orphans of soldiers and sailors, and a home, 
established only last winter, for soldiers and sailors, their 
widows, and army nurses. It is my desire to see at an early 
date a splendid state soldiers' and sailors' monument erected 
in the Capitol grounds at Columbus, which will be a fitting 
tribute by the state to all its soldiers and sailors who served 
in the volunteer and regular forces of the army and navy of the 
United States. Such a monument would be a fitting comple- 
ment to the memorial to President McKinley that is soon to be 
placed at the west entrance, and to the bronze group of Grant, 
Sherman, Sheridan, Stanton; Garfield, Chase, and Hayes, 
which stands at the northwest corner of the Capitol grounds. 

Now to you, Capt, Rigby, as the representative of the War 
Department, I transfer these memorials and markers which 
Ohio has with such loving care placed here in token of her 
sons, knowing that the National government, which so highly 
appreciates the services of its citizen soldiery, will forever 
scrupuously guard and keep them. 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 341 



SPEECH OF CAPT. WILLIAM T. RIGBY, REP- 
RESENTING THE SECRETARY OF WAR 
IN SPEECH OF ACCEPTANCE 

"Governor Herrick of Ohio; Governor Vardaman of 
Mississippi; Veterans of the Ohio Commission; Veterans of 
the Ohio Commands that served here in 1863; Confederate 
Veterans; Soldiers of the Ohio and Mississippi National Guard; 
Fellow Citizens; by direction of the Secretary of War and in 
his name, the Commission reverently accepts Ohio's memori- 
als on this battlefield to the valor and patriotism of her soldiers 
who served in the Vicksburg Campaign and Siege." 



ADDRESS OF COLONEL W. R. WARNOCK. 

Mr. President and Fellow Comitrymen: 

We have met today on this, one of the most memorable 
battlefields of all history, to formally dedicate the monuments 
erected bv the State of Ohio to commemorate the valor and 
honor the memory of those of her gallant soldiers, who partici- 
pated in the Vicksburg Campaign. 

In every age and in every clime the great deeds of men 
have been perpetuated not only in history and in song, but 
have been commemorated by the erection of lofty monuments 
and beautiful statues. This is especially true of the deeds of 
great soldiers. More monuments have been erected to the 
memory of soldiers than for all other purposes. Our National 
Capital has monuments erected to the memory of Washington, 
Jackson, Scott, Grant, Thomas, Sherman, Sheridan, McPher- 
son, Hancock, Rawlins, and other great soldiers, but compar- 
atively few to the orator, the statesman or man of letters. 
There is that in the life and services of the men who have 
risked their lives in the defense of their country that has always 
attracted the admiration of the world. This feeling has not 
been confined to the great leaders of armies, but has been freely 
accorded to the humblest man in the ranks who has faithfully 



342 Ohio at Vicksburg 

and courageously discharged his duty. One of the most 
touching illustrations of this is the universal homage paid to the 
memory of the unknown Roman soldier whose remains were 
exhumed a few years ago from among the ruins of Pompeii, 
on that fatal day when Vesuvius, at whose foot the city 
stood, burst forth in an eruption of flame and smoke which 
shook the earth, a Roman soldier stood guard at the gate 
looking toward the burning mountain. 

It was a law of Rome that no sentinel should 
leave his post unless relieved by the guard, or discharged 
by his ofl&cer. In the confusion of that dreadful hour he had 
been forgotten. He had to choose between death and what he 
regarded as dishonor. Pattern of patriotic fidelity, he chose 
to stand by his post. He saw the burning lava as it poured 
down the sides of the horrid mountain. He heard the screams 
of the affrighted people as they rushed through the streets, 
crying, "To the sea! To the sea!" as they sought safety in 
the waters. He felt the hot ashes as they touched his feet, 
and slowly but surely reached his knees, but he still stood at 
his post. They reached his thighs, his chest, his throat and he 
was choked to death. After 14 centuries they found him clad 
in his rusty armor, his helmet on his empty skull, his bony 
fingers clasped about his spear, still standing at his post. His 
name is unknown, but his deed will live in story and song 
forever. 

And so today, prompted by these feelings of admiration, 
the people of Ohio have erected 39 beautiful monuments 
which we are here today to dedicate. These monuments are 
but a feeble expression of the great affection which the people 
of Ohio have ever cherished for the brave men, so many of 
whom laid down their lives on these bloody hillsides just 42 
years ago today. Of their great deeds, of their heroic deaths 
we may well speak, for they were engraven on the hearts of 
their grateful countrymen. They were witnessed by the all- 
seeing eye of God and entered in the book of life by the record- 
ing Angel of Heaven. The battle for these men is over, they 
will answer to the bugle call no more, for "The names we used 
to hear have been carved for many a year on the tomb. " How 
fitting that these monuments should be erected to commemo- 
rate Ohio's part in that most remarkable series of brilliant 
movements which culminated in the capture of Vicksburg. No 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 343 

General in the entire Union army, except Grant, would have 
dared to assume the responsibility of making such a campaign 
at that time. It was the most critical period during the entire 
Civil War, for the cause of the Union. The Fall elections of 
1862 had generally gone against the further prosecution of the 
war and the year closed with the bloody repulse of Burnside at 
Fredericksburg with a loss of 12C00 killed and wounded. The 
repulse of Sherman at Chickasaw Bluffs, while Rosecrans barely 
saved his army from overwhelming defeat by his bull dog 
tenacity at Stone River. The three great armies we had in 
the field at the close of 1862 had thus met with great disaster, 
if not absolute defeat. Our armies were depleted. Volun- 
teering had stopped. We were compelled to resort to the 
Draft to build up our ranks. There were murmurings and 
complaints and in some places riots. Grant himself had^been 
compelled by the capture of Holly Springs to abandon' his 
original campaign against Vicksburg and march his disap- 
pointed regiments back to Memphis. While Vicksburg sat 
untouched upon her impregnable hills, smiling triumphantly 
over the disasters that had befallen Sherman and Grant,' and 
defiantly floating her banners on her outer walls. Truly the 
year 1863 opened with gloomy forebodings for the cause of the 
Union, and when Grant moved down the river and camped on 
the lowlands of Louisiana, and set his men to digging canals, 
and when sickness came and more men answered the sick call 
than the breakfast call, then the great patient North began to 
complain most bitterly. Something must be done. Grant 
must be removed, and they said he was a drunkard and Sher- 
man, his trusted adviser, was crazy. The newspapers were 
filled with stories of Grant's debauches and Sherman's vaga- 
ries. But fortunately for the country, fortunately for the world, 
there was one man who believed in Grant, one man who liked 
the way he did things, one man who had confidence in him and 
that was a man who had come up from the people, the great, 
patient, broad-minded, patriotic, martyred President, Abra- 
ham Lincoln. 

And when the politicians urged the removal of Grant and 
said he was a drunkard, Lincoln quaintly replied that he would 
like to find out what brand of whiskey he used as he would like 
to recommend it to his other generals. During all this time 
apparently unmindful of what his detractors were doing, 



344 Ohio at Vicksburg 

Grant was working out his plans, and when the high waters 
receded and the roads became passable, the gunboats and 
transports having successfully run the gauntlet of the Vicks- 
burg and Grand Gulf batteries, he quickly marched the 13th 
Corps, under McClernand, and the 17th under McPherson, 
to a point on the Mississippi River opposite Bruinsburg some 
sixty miles below Vicksburg, while, to conceal his move- 
ments, he ordered Blair's division of Sherman's Corps on 
board transports and with gunboats and a great deal of ostenta- 
tion to proceed up the Yazoo and make a demonstration 
against Haines' Bluff. 

This diversion was successful and McClernand's Corps and 
two brigades of McPherson's crossed the river April 30 and 
landed at Bruinsburg without opposition and at once moved 
out to the high grounds on the road to Port Gibson. When 
within 5 miles of that place, they encountered and defeated 
Gen. Bowen with 7000 men on the 1st of May, thus com- 
pelling the evacuation of Grand Gulf, the first great formidable 
defensive works below Vicksburg. Sherman's Corps quickly 
followed and landed at Grand Gulf May 6th and 7th. Fortu- 
nately for Grant, he was too far away from Washington to be 
interfered with. If there had been direct telegraphic commu- 
nication he would never have made the brilliant campaign of 
the next two weeks. His movements up to this point, while 
well planned and executed, had been attended with no partic- 
ular risk. He might not have been able to cross the Mississippi 
River or when across he might not have been able to advance, 
but he was reasonably secure against any great disaster up to 
that point. Grant knew, however, that at Vicksburg, Haines' 
Bluff, Grand Gulf and Jackson the enemy had more than 
50,000 men, and if these w^ere concentrated he would encounter 
an army superior in numbers to his own, fighting in its own 
country, near its own base of supplies. He knew that his only 
hope of success was in beating that enemy in detail before it 
could be concentrated. If he could induce the enemy to give 
battle in that way. Grant believed he could win. If he should 
be defeated or delayed in accomplishing any of his plans, he 
knew that he would be destroyed. On the 8th of May, Sher- 
man wrote Grant from Hankinson's Ferry, advising against 
any further advance at that time, as Grant had less than 
40,000 men across the river, for Blair's division was still on the 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 345 

Louisiana side. But Grant had confidence in his army and 
confidence in himself, and decided to advance. Not only 
that, but he was big enough, and brave enough to defy the 
military maxims taught in the books and schools, and boldly 
cut loose from his base of supplies and in a series of bril- 
liant engagements defeated Gen. Gregg at Raymond, May 12th, 
Gen. Johnston, at Jackson, May 14th, Gen. Pemberton at 
Champion's Hill, May i6th, and at Big Black River, May 
17th. 

At the Big Black on the 17th, just as Grant's brigades 
were in line for a general advance, an officer who had just 
overtaken him, presented imperative orders, dated May nth, 
from Washington, directing Grant to suspend operations 
against Vicksburg, and proceed with his army at once to the 
reduction of Port Hudson. Grant told the officer the order 
came too late. The officer insisted and proceeded to give 
arguments why the order should be obeyed. Just then great 
cheering was heard at the front. Grant put the order in his 
pocket, mounted his horse, and galloped away and never saw 
the officer again, but reached the front in time to see the en- 
emy's works at the Big Black captured. 

The problem was almost solved. But a grave dan- 
ger confronted him. He had left Grand Gulf with but five 
days' rations in the wagons. The animals and men had been 
living largely off the country, but the supplies within reach 
had all been practically exhausted, his last pound of bread and 
meat had been distributed. If Pemberton could keep him 
out of Vicksburg and Haynes' Bluff for a few days and thus cut 
off the supplies which were waiting him on the transports in 
the Yazoo river. Grant's army would have been compelled to 
surrender or perish for want of food. To Sherman's Corps 
was assigned the task of capturing Haynes' Bluff and opening 
up communications with our fleet. How well do I remember 
the morning of the i8th of May, when all the officers through- 
out Sherman's Corps were assembled at their respective 
regimental headquarters at the crossing of the Big Black on 
the Bridgeport road, and the situation was explained to us. 
We were told that it was absolutely necessary for the salvation 
of the entire army that we should take Haynes' Bluff that day, 
and were instructed to explain to our men that it was Haynes' 
Bluff or starve. And when the explanation was made, the 



346 Ohio at Vicksburg 

men shouted, We'll take it! We'll take it!" How enthusias- 
tically we started for Haynes' BlufF which was 10 or 12 miles 
distant. When we had marched about half the distance, we 
were met by a courier who shouted," Haynes' Bluff" has been 
evacuated!" Oh, how the boys cheered! For it meant 
bread and meat to them, needed supplies; it meant clean 
clothes, for we had been wearing the same under clothes for 
nearly a month, as all our baggage and tents had been left be- 
hind at Milliken's Bend, La. It meant letters from home. 
It meant success. Generals Grant and Sherman had ridden 
on ahead, and as they looked down at the Yazoo and saw the 
fleet coming up, Sherman turned to Grant saying up to that 
minute he had felt no positive assurance of success. This, 
however, he said was the end of one of the greatest campaigns 
in history. And later on. General Sherman speaking to the 
elder Gov. Yates, of Illinois, said, "Grant is entitled to every 
bit of the credit of this campaign. I opposed it. I wrote him 
a letter about it." 

Gen. Grant at once began the investment of Vicksburg 
on the afternoon of May 18. Sherman was placed on the 
right, McPherson in the center across the Jackson road, and 
McClernand on the left. We expected to march into the city 
the next day, but when we tried it we failed. We were very 
much surprised. I was then captain of a company of infantry. 
It was fitting we should belong to the infantry, for most of us 
were infants in the eyes of the law, being under 21 years of 
age. In fact, I think the average age of Grant's army was 
about 20 years and the impression prevailed among us that we 
could go anywhere. And so we tried it again on the 22nd day 
of May, just 42 years ago today. We then learned by bloody 
experience that we could not get in that way. Then followed 
the six long weeks of constant digging, sapping and mining 
with the continuous war of artillery. There was no rest for 
besiegers or besieged, until at last on the 4th of July, the men 
who had so gallantly defended their works, surrendered, having 
won the respect and admiration of the besiegers. 

We are now far enough away from our great Civil War to 
appreciate its magnitude and give due credit to the motives 
which actuated each army and to the valor each displayed. 
The men who participated in that great struggle of four years 
were heroes as great as ever marched and fought and endured 
upon the battlefields of earth. 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 347 

Other wars have continued longer, but there were cessa- 
tions for recuperation and rest; but with our great Civil War 
there was no cessation for four long years, and during that 
struggle there was no time when one army could say, "My 
enemy is asleep and is taking a vacation, and I will take a 
rest." It was one long, continuous, strenuous struggle for 
four long years of bloody war. In that struggle there were 
1882 general engagements, battles and skirmishes, in which 
at least one regiment was engaged on each side, being an 
average of more than one for every day of the four years. 
There were 112 general engagements in which the losses on 
one side or the other exceeded 500 in killed and wounded. 

It was a struggle in which, including both sides, half a 
million men were killed or mortally wounded upon the battle 
field and a million men permanently disabled. It was a strug- 
gle in which American manhood, courage, endurance and skill 
were pitted against American manhood, courage, endurance 
and skill. It was the greatest war of the century. It was the 
greatest because the bloodiest and fraught with the greatest 
results to mankind. The bloodiest wars have not always been 
the most decisive, but they have always been the most historic. 
The most memorable wars of the world are those which have 
been made so because of the fatalities which have attended 
them. When the world comes to assign its place in history to 
a great battle, it usually assigns it by the length of the casualty 
list. Measured by this standard, the great battles of our Civil 
War have been away and beyond the bloodiest struggles of 
all history. I was greatly impressed by this not long ago, 
when reading Fox's Regimental Losses. In that book compar- 
isons were instituted between the losses in the great battles of 
our Civil War and the losses in battles of other times and other 
countries, and I am indebted to that book for the figures that 
I shall give. It is very interesting to compare some of these 
figures. 

First, there was the charge of the Light Brigade at Balak- 
lava, which Tennyson has made famous in immortal verse, 
so that we have come to regard that as one of the most gallant, 
heroic exhibitions of human eflFort in all history. In that 
charge 673 men obeyed an ill advised order and rode to their 
death. No victory was won, no results were accomplished, 
but it takes its place in history and song because of the fatalities 



34-8 Ohio at Vicksburg 

which attended it. Of the 673 men who made that charge 113 
were killed, 134 wounded, making a total loss of 247, or a per 
cent loss of 36.7. But we had 150 regiments in our great Civil 
War — 75 on the Union side and 75 on the Confederate side — 
that had each a greater loss than that. In a single engagement 
each of these regiments lost over 40 per cent of the numbers 
engaged. 

Take again the Franco-Prussian war, the greatest loss 
sustained in any engagement by any regiment during that war 
was that of the Third Westphalian at Mars la Tour. It went 
into the engagement with 3000 men, and it lost in killed, 
wounded, and missing, 1484, a loss of 49.4 per cent. But we 
had 120 regiments in the Union and Confederate armies that 
had a greater loss than 50 per cent of the numbers engaged — 
some as high as 60, 70, 75 per cent — and two regiments, one in 
the Confederate army and one in the Union army, that had 
a percentage of loss of over 82 percent of the numbers en- 
gaged- 
Take the great battle of Waterloo, one of the 15 deci- 
sive battles of the world, a battle which decided the fate and 
changed the geography of all Europe. In that battle Napoleon 
had 82,000 men and 256 guns. Wellington, with the allies, 
had 72,000 men and over 200 guns. They lost on each side 
in killed and wounded about 23,000 men, being a percentage 
of loss of from 25 to 32 per cent. Turn to the great battle of 
Gettysburg and note the wonderful similarity between the two 
in some respects. General Meade had in his army almost 
precisely the same number of men Napoleon had at Waterloo. 
General Lee had an army of 72,000 men, with 200 guns. The 
losses were 23,000 on each side, in that engagement, almost 
identical with the losses at Waterloo. 

Now let us compare Gettysburg and Waterloo with some 
of the other great battles of history. The battle between the 
French and Russians at Borodino was perhaps the bloodiest 
battle since the invention of gunpowder; there were 30,000 
men killed on each side. But as each army numbered over 
130,000, the per cent of loss was less than at Gettysburg and 
less than at Waterloo. 

Take the losses in the recent ten days' fighting between the 
Russian and Japanese. The numbers engaged were 750,000 
men, and the losses about 160,000, being about 20 per cent of 
the numbers engaged, being a less per cent than at Gettysburg. 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 349 

The greatest loss of a single regiment on the Union side in 
any one engagement was that of the First Minnesota at the 
battle of Gettysburg. During the second day's fight, when the 
Union army was driven back from Emmetsburg road in 
disaster and defeat, General Hancock was making a wonderful 
effort to establish a new line. He had but one regiment at 
hand, and that was the First Minnesota, numbering 262 men. 
While he was having the re-enforcements hurried up, he saw 
suddenly marching from a clump of trees Wilcox's Confeder- 
ate brigade. He saw from the position and rapid movements 
of that brigade that they would occupy, unless he could prevent 
it, the position he regarded as the key to that part of his lines. 
Seeing the extremity to which he was reduced, he rode to 
Colonel Colville, commanding the First Minnesota, and point- 
ing to the advancing colors, gave the order," Take those 
colors." Without a moments hesitation the gallant Minneso- 
tans charged upon those colors. A desperate hand to hand 
conflict ensued. The advance of the Confederate brigade 
was checked, but 215 of the First Minnesota regiment were 
left upon that battlefield dead or wounded. The 47, however, 
who went back, carried the colors. 

As my time is limited I pass on to a little incident which I 
think is a tribute well worth preserving. General Scott was 
asked on one occasion before he had resigned his active com- 
mand of the army, "Why is it that it takes you so long to get 
into Richmond, Va., when you got into the City of Mexico in 
such a short time .^" His answer was, "Because some of the 
men that are keeping me out of Richmond are some of the 
men that helped me get into Mexico." 

We learned some very important lessons during the war, 
and among others we learned this, that of one blood God has 
created all men to dwell upon the face of the earth. It is an 
eternal law that where guilt is, sorrow must answer it. The 
Revolutionary fathers sinned against the very principle by 
which we became a nation, and this generation has paid the 
penalty of that crime in sorrow and in blood. But we have 
more than paid the penalty. The Declaration of Indepen- 
dence was not written for Americans alone, but for Man. This 
age and its grand army of statesmen and soldiers have estab- 
lished the fact for all time to come that the principle that 
"All men are created free and equal," arises from the very 



350 Ohio at Vicksburg 

depths of our souls, and that in its defense we are willing to 
and have expended countless treasure and the choicest blood of 
the land and that humanity will defend it so long as time en- 
dures. 

And so when a few years ago there came up across our 
Southern border the cries of a people suffering under 400 years 
of oppression, the people of the United States said Cuba must 
be free and Cuba was freed from Spanish domination, so that 
the United States of America has come to be recognized as the 
champion of liberty throughout the world, for this beautiful 
land of ours, blooming between the seas, has been consecrated 
for all time to come by the blood of her bravest and her best 
to the cause of universal liberty and the equality of all mankind. 

"Lift up your heads desponding freemen, 
Fling to the winds your needless fears; 

He who unfurled your beauteous banner, 
Says it shall wave a thousand years." 

Haste thee along, thou glorious noon-tide, 

Oh, for the eyes of ancient seers. 
Oh, for the faith of him who reckons 

Each of his days a thousand years. 

And as we believe God raised up Washington to guide us 
during the dark days of the Revolution and bring us to inde- 
pendence, so we believe today with profound gratitude that 
the same Almighty Power raised up Abraham Lincoln to 
guide us in the hour of our supreme peril and save this nation 
from destruction. 

Abraham Lincoln! What a tender, mysterious, compre- 
hensive, nature he possessed. As one has well said of him, he 
seemed almost divine, yet human; solemn, yet majestic, his 
soul ever moving toward the infinite good upon every event of 
his marvelous career. Even in his merriest moods his soul 
seemed filled with an unutterable sorrow whose pleadings 
were like the voice of humanity asking forgiveness of sin from 
eternity. The depths of the sea, the sounds of space, the very 
anthem of infinitude which surges round and over human 
hearts with unutterable sorrow is the meaning of that soul. In 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 351 

expressing his sympathy with the suffering and his faith in hu- 
manity, he was like a soul in human form struggling to break 
the barrier which separates it from that better life which is 
unseen but recognized. And yet this man was stricken down 
in the hour of his triurnph. Today he wears a martyr's crown, 
but, though dead, he still speaks to us. Hear him as he stands 
upon the battlefield of Gettysburg, at the dedication' of the 
National Cemetery, surrounded by the graves of the fallen 
from 18 states, when he said in that immortal oration of but 
5 minutes, among other things, "The world will little note, nor 
will it long remember what we say here, but it can never forget 
what they did here. Let us highly resolve that we will conse- 
crate ourselves to their unfinished work, that under God, this 
government of the people and by the people and for the people 
shall not perish from the face of the earth." 

Thank God! We have lived to see that which Mr. Lin- 
coln so earnestly desired. We are a happy, a prosperous, and 
a reunited people, rejoicing in our common heritage, proud 
of our common ancestry, proud of our history, proud of our 
achievements, proud of our place among the nations of the 
earth, and all marching together under the flag of the Union. 

Thy sacred leaves, fair freedom's flower, 
Shall float from every dome and tower. 
To all thy heavenly colors true, 
In blackening frost and crimson hue. 
And God love us as we love you. 
Thrice holy flower of liberty. 
Then hail the banner of the free. 
Thrice holy flower of liberty. 



ADDRESS OF CAPTAIN HAYS 

Mr. President, Comrades of the Blue and Gray, and other 
fellow citizens: 
We all listened with the greatest of pleasure when the 
chairman of the Ohio battlefield commission, an Ohio man who 
lost an arm on the outward slope on yonder stockade redan, 
turned over to the state of Ohio the monuments and markers 
the Ohio Commission caused to be erected on this historic 



352 Ohio at Vicksburg 

park. We were all pleased by the patriotic sentiments so well 
expressed by our faithful and able Governor, also an Ohio 
man, when he, in behalf of the State he so well represents, 
presented these memorial stones to the United States, and we 
heard with pleasure what the Secretary *of War, W. H. Taft, 
an Ohio man, said through his representative when he accepted 
the trust imposed on him by the law of the land. 

Further, you have heard, we. have all heard with delight, 
with swelling hearts and quickened pulse, the eloquent address 
of Col. Warnock, an Ohio man, and one who shared all the 
hardships and dangers of the Vicksburg campaign from the 
opening until Pemberton surrendered his fine army and the 
Gibraltar of the Mississippi. 

Certainly, I am willing to admit that the condition of the 
Confederate commissary at least hastened that result, but the 
capture of Vicksburg was the primary object of the campaign, 
and the cutting off of the enemies' supplies was, from a mili- 
tary point of view, a great military success. 

However much the lack of good, wholesome iood in the 
Confederate cupboard may have aided the Yankees, yet these 
monuments and markers on the park encircling yonder inter- 
esting city, and the long list of Ohio dead sleeping peacefully 
in yonder beautiful cemetery, compel these assembled here 
today, as they will compel unborn generations to admit and 
say, Ohio was an important factor in the siege of Vicksburg. 
Indeed so far as we of Ohio are concerned, we are almost per- 
suaded that Grant would never have captured Vicksburg if it 
had not been for Ohio. 

Ohio for many years has been playing a leading part in all 
matters of national importance, both in war and in peace. 
Indeed we are able to furnish men, and I doubt not, women 
also, willing to assume the responsibility of conducting all the 
great and varied business of the entire country. 

The story is told that when Garfield was. elected President, 
and before he assumed the duties of that exalted position he 
was waited on by a number of gentlemen of national repute, 
conspicuous members of his own party, who knowing Ohio's 
habit in those days, and fearing that as Garfield was an Ohio 
man, Ohio might get too much recognition, had determined to 
talk over with the President elect the important matter of 
appointments and the selection of a cabinet. Garfield heard 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 353 

them patiently and courteously, and when they had concluded, 
he said: "Gentlemen, I suppose Ohio might reasonably claim 
one place in the cabinet ?" They conceded so much. The 
cabinet was drawn from widely separated States, east and 
west. On the first coming together of those gentlemen it was 
found, on comparing notes, that all of them but one had been 
born in Ohio. 

And this is Ohio's day at Vicksburg. We have journeyed 
hundreds of miles to participate in this dedication of Ohio's 
monuments. We are here from every State from the Alle- 
ghanies to the Rocky Mountains. Ohio has sent one of her 
crack regiments of National Guards, the Governor with his 
brilliant staff is here, despite the fact that important party and 
personal interests demand his presence elsewhere, but the 
patriotic blood that flows in his veins compelled him to forego 
all other consideration and be strictly an Ohio man on this 
important Ohio occasion. 

I would that this were Mississippi day as well. I would 
that monuments as good or better than these of ours crowned 
those heights marking where Mississippi's grand regiments so 
gallantly defended the city against our assaults, but Mississippi 
is not ready yet. I intend to be here when she dedicates 
her monuments. 

I should delight in paying one more visit to this historic 
field and that when every State north and south, shall have 
placed monuments to every organization that participated in 
the struggle about and within these lines. 

It is forty-two years today since General Grant learned, 
by sad experience, that these works could not be carried by 
assault without the sacrifice of too many valuable lives, and 
settled down to siege operations, to sapping and mining. 

Forty-two years since May 22, 1863, and what a contrast 
between that day and today. How strikingly dissimilar is 
this peaceful scene to that of the thundering of hostile cannons, 
the rattle of musketry, the shrieking of vengeful shells, the 
zipping of spiteful minie balls, the shouting of charging col- 
umns, the wailing of the wounded and groans of the dying that 
then saluted our ears. 

Today there are gathered here many of Ohio's sons, most 
of whom were in front of those frowning, formidable fortifica- 
tions, forty-two years ago, when these heights, these rugged 



354 Ohio at Vicksburg 

hill sides were dotted all over by the bodies of dead and 
wounded Ohio comrades. That day the stubborn fight made 
by the brave defenders of these works rendered desolate many 
an Ohio home, and to this day aged mothers, aging sisters and 
unconsoled maidens who have gone with widowed hearts, 
well through life's journey, tell with trembling lips, with 
faltering tongues and streaming eyes, how the well beloved went 
down in death at Vicksburg May 22, 1863. 

It was war, stoney-eyed relentless war, and they, though 
hundreds of miles away, realized its grim consequences and 
bowed with bleeding but patriotic hearts to its fortunes. 

Have you ever reflected that the women of the land, 
both north and south, were the first as they will be the last 
great sufferers of the civil war .? When loved ones were 
gallantly and exultingly marching away for the front, careless 
of impending death, their anxieties awakened. Whilst the 
battles raged their tender loving hearts stood still, and when 
the feared for, almost anticipated message came they kissed the 
rod. But during those distressful days they were not idle. 
Their tireless, tearful labors at home and in the hospitals did 
as much for the cause they cherished as did "the man behind 
the gun." They cheered and reanimated many a despondent 
heart. They nursed back to life and usefulness the sick and 
the wounded. Their honest heart prayers opened to many a 
dimming eye the beautiful vistas of the world beyond; their 
sympathetic hearts bled over many a lonely, lowly couch; and 
oh! how they suffered, none but their God can ever fully 
understand. 

But it is not profitable to dwell on the sad and sanguinary 
scenes and incidents of the strife through which this country 
passed in the early sixties. We of the north did not endure the 
fatigue and dangers of Vicksburg and of other campaigns, nor 
fructify these rugged hills with the best blood of our patriotic 
sons because of any feeling of malevolence toward those who 
so bravely, patiently and patriotically manned these works and 
held these defenses. No, our contention, our resort to arms 
was from a motive entirely impersonal. We believed that the 
unity of the States should be preserved at all hazards, and by 
any blood off'ering the pluck, pride and persistency of the foe 
rendered necessary. 

The waters that wash the base of yonder bluff^s come 
down from the hills and mountains of western Pennsylvania; 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 355 

from the sparkling springs and rippling rivulets of Ohio, from 
the broad and fertile prairies of the great northwest; from the 
eastern slopes of the far away Rocky Mountains; all meeting 
and mingling to form yonder mighty river. We felt that we 
had a share in this, the father of waters. We could not 
quietly concede that our commerce should find its way to the 
ocean through the heart of a foreign, and a possibly hostile 
country. We who live in the great basin between the Alleghe- 
ny and Rocky Mountains, could have suffered, without 
material injury to our great commercial interests, the severance 
from us of all the slave holding States save those bordering on 
the Ohio and Mississippi, but those whose banks walled in 
those rivers must be one with us. Every consideration of 
national stability and our material prosperity demanded that 
the waters gathered from the sources I have named should 
flow unvexed to the sea, bearing on them, unharassed by 
custom houses and revenue cutters, our products, our contribu- 
tions to the wealth and comfort of the civilized nations of the 
world. 

The intelligence of the South, I am informed, almost with 
one accord concedes that the sting of defeat is neutralized by the 
fact that the failure to erect on the ruins of the old a new 
nation, was a blessing in disguise, but when not conceded it'^is 
nevertheless true. Every blessing that has come to the 
country, every advantage secured to the North by the result 
of the war, has been shared abundantly by the South, and we 
are glad of it. 

With us the war was of a purely impersonal character, 
and when it ended, it left in us no sourness, no soreness toward 
our late enemies, enemies only in name. We rejoiced that the 
war was over and the Union survived, but we sympathized 
with the people of the South. We have ever since courted the 
South. Nothing we have so much desired as perfect reconcili- 
ation with her people, nor was this desire entirely unselfish. 
Our commercial interests demanded it as have the interests of 
the South likewise. 

The North since the war, has emptied much of its surplus 
wealth into the lap of the South by developing her resources, 
establishing new industries, building railroads, kindling furnace 
fires that light up the night and becloud the day, set looms 
to clanking to the music of singing spindles, developed her 



35-6 Ohio at Vicksburg 

coal mines and her iron beds, and in numerous other ways 
contributed to the financial prosperity of the South. Now do 
not think that I am claiming northern capital has done all 
these things from purely philanthropic incentives; far from it; 
capital was hunting for what was considered good safe invest- 
ments, and the Southland by affording such, has reaped an 
abundant harvest. 

It does not pay in dollars and cents to keep alive the 
antagonism of the war. Every insult launched by either 
section against the other must be paid for in good money. We 
can not afford to be on bad terms with our neighbors; they are 
Valuable to us and we are valuable to them. 

These monuments are not designed to perpetuate the 
animosities of the war. If they served such a purpose I would 
pray that they might crumble and the foundations whereon they 
stand be covered by the dust of oblivion. No, they simply 
tell the story of the courage, the endurance, the devotion, the 
patriotism of the contending hosts. 

We live in an age of wonderful progress. We have no 
time to go poking around the expiring embers of sectional 
fires. Let us bind up and forget old wounds and take our places 
in the advance guard in the onward march of the great army of 
progress. Very recently at Chicago the great head of the 
Republican party, on his return from slaughtering bears in the 
wild and woolly west, was wined and dined by the Democratic 
Progressive Club, and they put their seal of approval on all he 
has done. Where is the enemy that may not fall on one's neck 
in ecstatic rapture beside the grave of buried hatchets and bolos 
after such an example. 

The passions and prejudices of mankind are weapons of 
the professional and the petty politician. He hesitates not to 
wield them for his individual advantage. With utter disregard 
for the best interests of the commonwealth, he turns every 
passion of the human heart to promoting his personal political 
preferment. We have them everywhere; they are always with 
us, and yet we could get along much better without them. If 
there were not such both north and south, these sections w^ould 
be more closely united than they are. I can not convey to you 
how much I love the Union, the entire Union, or how much I 
long to stand by the grave of all sectional pride and prejudice. 

A startling, distressful incident that recently occurred at 
Washington city exemplifies how the Blue and the Gray are 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 357 

brought very closely together. A grand man, a veteran of 
three wars, a brave and capable soldier, once a great force in 
the Confederate army, later a bright and courageous diplomat 
and soldier of the restored Union, was stolen upon by the 
angel of death and smitten without warning, but such men as 
General Fitzhugh Lee are always ready. His death, we all 
agree, is a great national loss. Well might the Blue and the 
Gray, as they did, clasp hands across his casket and mingle 
their tears o'er the sward that wraps his clay, and today, here 
on this field, made sacred by the commingled blood of the North 
and South, can the Blue and the Gray unite in doing honor 
to his memory. 

It has been well said that the hand that rocks the cradle 
rules the world. I add that to a great extent the women of 
this country hold in their dear hands the destinies of this 
nation. 

If the lessons learned in our schools with those taught at 
the maternal knee be devoid of all sectionalism, be patriotic, be 
truthful, filled with the spirit of toleration, with love for and 
duty to the constitution and the flag, then no human eye can 
see far enough down the coming ages to catch a glimpse of 
any shoals or reefs or rocks to v>^reck our gallant ship of state. 

Although political differences may, will arise, they will 
furnish no cause for a divided duty, a severed country, or 
two flags. 

Great God of the nations Thy glory has crowned us, 
A land and a people peculiar to Thee, 

Let Thy wisdom and power still mantle around us, 
Preserve what Thy goodness has taught to be free. 

Esto Perpetua, oh! be it written. 

On every bright link of the sisterhood's chain. 

And be the red hand of the fratricide smitten, 

Who would sully the compact or rend it in twain. 

Let it shine on the folds of our banner outflowing. 
Let it speak on the walls of each parliament hall. 

Till the North and the South with its sanctity glowing. 
Shout, Esto Perpetua! Union for all. 



35^ Ohio at Vicksburg 



ADDRESS OF COLONEL JAMES KILBOURNE. 

Mr. Chairman, Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen: 

After the eloquent, befitting and comprehensive address 
of the orator of the day, I shall speak but briefly and informally. 
Should what I say seem to savor too much of personal recol- 
lections for such an occasion, I trust this may under the circum- 
stances be forgiven me. 

Returning to these scenes for the first time since the siege 
which made Vicksburg famous, memories of that time, not all 
unhappy ones, come freshly before me, and conflicting emo- 
tions present themselves; of regret for those who died here; of 
thankfulness that their lives were not sacrificed in vain; of 
pleasure at the cordial reception we of the north have met with 
from the citizens of Vicksburg, and of joy that the hatred and 
strife which once divided us has long since passed away. 

Of all the memories of that time, the one which is upper- 
most in my mind today, above all recollections of battle or 
siege, is that of the kindness of a Southern woman, the wife of 
one Confederate soldier and the mother of another, who, when 
I was ill with fever in camp near the Big Black River over yon- 
der, took me into her home and nursed me back to health and 
strength as carefully as my own mother could have done. She 
was but one of a great and glorious company of Southern wo- 
men, who, God bless them, although the greatest sufi^erers from 
the war, did not permit that or their devotion to the Confederate 
cause to stifle in their breasts the dictates of humanity, or that 
instinctive feeling of motherhood toward the sick and helpless, 
whether friend or foe, which is one of the noblest attributes of 
woman. 

Today, as upon every occasion when monuments are dedi- 
cated here by a northern state to the memory of its sons who 
were engaged in the siege, the name which comes first to the 
lips of everyone present, is that of the great Captain to whose 
genius, skill and indomitable pluck and courage was mainly 
due the success here of the Union arms. 

While other victories were his, and while he gained the 
highest position in the gift of the American people, and the 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 359 

most honorable on earth, the Union soldiers who followed him 
here and loved him, think of him most, not as the victor at 
Appomattox; not as the President of the United States; but as 
General Grant, the hero of Vicksburg. 

General Grant's place in history will be mainly that of a 
great soldier, but by those who knew him best he is honored 
more for his qualities as a man; for his exceptional modesty; 
the open simplicity of his character, unspoiled by honors at 
home and abroad, greater than ever given any other man; his 
magnanimity; and his unhesitating and undeviating loyalty to 
free government of the people, and the defense of human rights. 

His magnanimous spirit permitted him at a critical time 
to do a service for his country, differing from, but not incompar- 
able to, that he had rendered through his military skill, for 
nothing did more to make possible a speedy reconciliation be- 
tween the North and South than "the hand which straight 
from his soldier heart Grant offered to Lee at Appomattox." 

If time permitted, I should like to speak of General Sher- 
man, whom I knew well, and in whose corps I served during 
the siege; of General McPherson, that beau ideal of soldierly 
chivalry; and to pay my tribute to that gallant host of officers 
and enlisted men in whose honor these monuments are erected. 
But the moments allotted me are few, and more eloquent lips 
than mine have just told you their story, and recited to 
you their virtues in words which those who have heard them 
will not soon. forget. It is of the present, of peace and recon- 
ciliation, I would speak. 

This much, however, let me say of the war in general and 
of the Union soldiers; no war of ancient or of modern times was 
more momentous for liberty and true civilization; no soldiers of 
any age were inspired by loftier motives or more deserving of 
honor. It was a mighty episode in the eternal conflict between 
right and wrong and "our heroes died that all their country- 
men. North and South, might live the only life worth living — 
the life of freemen.". Search all the annals of history, and no 
nobler record will be found of patriotism, of courage, of self- 
sacrifice. 

Standing here today, and picturing in my mind the old 
Vicksburg as it was at the close of the siege, desolate in its 
surroundings and disfigured by the ravages of war, and seeing 
it today stirred with new life and growing prosperity, the hills 



360 Ohio at Vicksburg 

where formerly stood the grim red brown fortifications, now 
clothed with verdure, and all harsh signs of strife removed, I am 
reminded of the words of that great Southern orator and editor, 
loved in the North as in the South by all who knew him, and 
whose early death was a distinct loss to our whole country, the 
late Henry W. Grady. 

In an address to the New England Qub, of New York 
City, a few years before his death, he used these words, and I 
am happy in the belief that they breathe the sentiments the 
citizens of Vicksburg would express to us from the North to- 
day: "This message, Mr. President," he said, "comes to you 
from consecrated ground. Every foot of soil about the city in 
which I live is sacred as a battlefield of the Republic. Every 
hill that invests it is hallowed by the blood of your brothers who 
died for your victory, and doubly hallowed to us by the blood of 
those who died hopeless, but undaunted in defeat — sacred soil 
to all of us — rich with memories that make us purer and stronger 
and better — silent but staunch witnesses then in their red deso- 
lation of the matchless valor of American hearts and the 
deathless glory of American arms — speaking and eloquent 
witnesses now in their white peace and prosperity to the indis- 
soluble union of American states and the imperishable brother- 
hood of the American people." 

His message was this, and I am sure there are few in the 
South for whom he did not speak truly, and few in the North 
who do not accept it in the spirit in which it was given. After 
asserting that the convictions of the South in the war were as 
honest as those of the North, and referring with reverential 
tenderness to his father, who died in the Confederate service, 
he said, "But, sir, speaking from the shadow of that memory 
which I honor as I do nothing else on earth, I say that the cause 
in which he suffered, and for which he gave his life, was ad- 
judged by a higher and fuller wisdom than his or mine, and I 
am glad that the Omniscient God held the balance of battle in 
his Almighty hand, and that human slavery was swept from 
American soil — that the American union was saved from 
the wreck of war." 

Such is the spirit, I believe, in which the South has accept- 
ed the results of the war, turning its face from the dead past, 
cursed with the blight of slavery and the poison of sectional 
hate, to that future whose dawn is already glorious with the 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 361 

quick coming of the peace, prosperity and happiness that is to 
be the sure portion of a free united, and harmonious people. 

The war with Spain scattered and extinguished the last 
dying embers of sectional strife between the North and the 
South, never again, God grant, to be warmed into life. When 
in that war volunteers from Ohio and Mississippi marched 
under one flag against a common foe, with Ex-Confederates 
under General Keifer and Ex-Union soldiers under General 
Jos. Wheeler, our civil war had indeed become a thing of the 
past. 

Time, the great assuager of grief and soother of passion, 
has softened the sorrow for those who died and permitted 
those now living, who were engaged on either side of the great 
struggle to see what there was of the noble and heroic on the 
other. And so, when yesterday death came to that gallant 
soldier and gentleman, Fitzhugh Lee, the old time command- 
er of the Army of Northern Virginia, the North vied with the 
South in paying tributes to him — tributes the more deserved 
because of the part he, and through him the great state of which 
he was governor, took in the funeral of General Grant, and 
because of the generous and chivalric spirit which led him, at a 
time when the passions of war were fiercest, to apply to the 
Union General Reynolds, who fell on the first day of Gettys- 
burg, the saying, "No one fell that day more gloriously than 
he, though many fell that day and there was much glory. " 

Nor is the respect shown by either side to the valor of 
their old time opponents in the war limited to that of distin- 
guished generals. At Columbus, Ohio, my home, the graves 
of the Confederate private soldiers who lie buried there, are 
each year strewn with flowers by the hands of those who were in 
the Union army. And in many a southern burial ground, I 
am told, the graves of Union soldiers sleeping there are now on 
Memorial Day as carefully remembered and honored as are the 
graves of the Confederate dead. 

And so, as has been beautifully said, "The contest is over; 
the wrong is righted; the curse is off; the land is redeemed, 
the sweet angels of peace and reconciliation are flitting from 
door to door, sitting at the tents, inspiring kinder thoughts and 
sympathies, and awakening the ancient memories of a common 
sacrifice and a common glory. " 



362 Ohio at Vicksburg 

And so now, as never before, the love of the Union covers 
the whole land, knowing no North, no South, no East, no 
West, and we have in truth at last — 

"A union of lakes, a union of lands, 
A union of states none can sever, 

A union of hearts, a union of hands, 
And the flag of our union forever." 

The flag of our union; O! my countrymen, the descendants 
of those whose valor gave it birth and who made our flag the 
ensign of freedom, let us love it so much and honor it so much 
that we shall seek to keep it in all the future, as it has been in 
the past, the truest emblem of right and justice of all the flags 
that float. Let us keep it so pure, its stars and its stripes so 
unstained by wars of conquest or oppression, that everyone 
who carries it will willingly die for it, and God Almighty bless 
the cause for which it stands. 



ADDRESS OF MAJOR D. CUNNINGHAM 

Gentlemen of the Ohio Battlefield Commission: 

We certainly feel like complimenting the commission on 
their masterly work here. The monuments erected do honor 
both to their heads in designing and their hearts in the express- 
ion of the noble and patriotic sentiments here exhibited. 

I feel proud of Ohio today, in that she in providing for 
these monuments, so nobly and justly honored, not only the 
memory of the dead who sacrificed their lives on this field, but 
the memory as well of all who fought here, living and dead. 

The people of Mississippi have also just cause to be proud 
of the gallantry displayed by her citizen soldiery in defending 
this stronghold. I hope she will soon have monuments erected 
to her brave men who fought here; it is the only compensation 
the State can render them at this late day, and they deserve 
it at your hand. 

The whole people of the United States have reason to be 
proud of the work done by both armies in the great conflict of 
arms here enacted. General Grant here planned and executed 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 363 

the most brilliant campaign that has ever been fought on this 
continent, and I may say that has ever been prosecuted to a 
successful issue on any continent, at least in modern times. 
Napoleon's first campaign in Italy more nearly resembles it 
than any other; Napoleon w^as confronted by the natural barrier 
of the Alps, but when that difficulty w^as past the fertile plains 
of Lombardy opened up before him, overflowing with every 
kind of supplies for his army, he was met by an army poorly 
commanded, without ambition, and without legs, and it melted 
before the attack of the French army as the snows of winter 
before a tropical sun. 

In Grant's campaign he had a wide river to cross in face 
of an alert enemy, which made a much more difficult natural 
obstruction in the way of his army. Having swept away this 
barrier the difficulty of his campaign had only fairly com- 
menced. He was compelled to meet On his left an army of forty 
thousand men, under General Pemberton, while General 
Joseph E. Johnston, with fifteen thousand men, was a dan- 
gerous menace to his right. These gentlemen were not old, 
worn out generals, and they did not command an army of de- 
generate mercenary Italian soldiery. They were officers 
commanding the respect of their armies, and superior in every 
way; they commanded an army of fighting men, full of the 
spirit of war, which had been bred in them from preceding 
generations of fighters. 

Grant rose to the occasion; he drove his army of thirty 
thousand like a wedge between Johnston and Pemberton, 
beating them in detail, fighting five pitched battles, driving 
Johnston back to and through Jackson, and Pemberton into 
Vicksburg, always managing to have an equal or superior 
force at the danger points, and in doing so accomplished all 
that is possible, and all there is in what is generally known and 
called "strategy in war." The history of the siege which 
followed is familiar to all readers, neither army has any good 
ground to claim superiority over the other in the siege, in 
resisting attacks, in the charge, and countercharge both were 
equally brave, and the soldiers of all the regiments here en- 
gaged, of every State on either side, are all and equally entitled 
to have monuments erected to their memories on this, the 
greatest battlefield of the civil war, so that their children and 



364 Ohio at Vicksburg 

their children's children to remote generations visiting here 
may be enabled to find the exact spot where their ancestors 
covered themselves and their States with imperishable honor 
and renown. 



ADDRESS OF HON. WALTER GEORGE SMITH. 

Soldiers of the Union and Confederate Armies, Citizens of 
Vicksburg, Ladies and Gentlemen: 

It is with profound emotion that I rise to respond to the 
courteous invitation of the chairman of this meeting that I 
should address you. I know what this invitation means, that 
it is a tribute to one who was very near and very dear to me, 
himself a soldier, who found laurels among those who illustra- 
ted American valor on this historic ground. 

It must be difficult for you to realize that more than forty 
years have passed since these lofty heights were crowned with 
cannon, and every approach guarded by the flower of the 
Southern army, an army that never surrendered until starvation 
made further deeds of bravery impossible. 

So long as history preserves its records, so long will the 
fame of this City endure. It is a great and beautiful city, but 
if it were many times as great and many times more beautiful, 
though it should dominate the commerce of many millions of 
people, and become the center of a wealth greater than that of 
Ophir, those things would not add to its imperishable fame. 
That fame was given it when it became the scene of a struggle 
between the best representatives of American military genius 
and courage. The prize was the domination of the Mississippi, 
the Father of Waters, and with it that of the whole great val- 
ley to which it has given its name. 

I need not rehearse to you, soldiers of the North and 
soldiers of the South, who in your boyhood days lived lifetimes 
amidst the horrible scenes of death and carnage, that marked 
those hills and vales where now stand the monuments we have 
dedicated today. 

Each generation has its duties, yours was begun in times of 
stress, when brother faced brother, offering all that he had, 
his very life, for the maintenance of an ideal. Those of us who 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 365 

came after have had different trials and different responsibili- 
ties. When our record is made up we can but hope that the 
balance will be found upon the right side. But to you who 
look back over the long vista of years to the campaign that 
ended in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and remember 
that you were part of those mighty armies that fought here, it 
must always be an unceasing source of pride, and legitimate 
pride, that those who come after you may claim a heritage 
that is in itself in our democratic country, a truer patent of 
nobility than many a title of the old world. 

It is not that you have not worthily borne the burden of 
your citizenship in times of peace. On the contrary, it is the 
peculiar glory of the American soldier, that when he laid aside 
his weapons and his uniform, he was absorbed into the great 
body of American citizenship and became at once as earnest in 
the peaceful walks of life, as he had been on the battlefield. 
But as long as human nature remains the same, men will 
admire those who are ready to die in a cause they believe to be 
just, and that you were. You were willing not alone to die, 
but to live and to suffer on the long and dusty march, in the 
bivouac of the swamp, hungry, cold, or parched with thirst, 
and stricken with fever, your comrades falling by your side, as 
has been eloquently said "like the leaves in Autumn." 

In those few years from Bull Run to Appomattox, your 
lives were crowded with such experiences as would more than 
fill the lifetime of those whose days are spent in times of peace. 
No wonder we are gathered here to revive the memories of 
those heroic years, not in bitterness, not with any reproachful 
feeling, but as brother American citizens of the greatest re- 
public the world has ever known, and we shall separate and 
go back to our homes, some to the fair state of Ohio, the 
nursery of so much genius and so much bravery; some to the 
plantations fertilized by the waters of yonder mighty river, 
some to the Atlantic seaboard, with a greater affection for 
American institutions, and a more vivid realization of what was 
done at Vicksburg to make them what they are. 

Mr. Smith, who is the eldest son of General Thos. Kilby 
Smith, formerly of Ohio, is a Philadelphia lawyer and out of 
regard to the memory of his father was invited, with his brother, 
Thos. Kilby Smith, Jr., also a Philadelphia lawyer, to join 



366 Ohio at Vicksburg 

with the Ohio soldiers in the visit to Vicksburg, and at the 
ceremonies attendant upon the presentation of the monu- 
ments. 

General Kilby Smith commanded a brigade in Sherman's 
Division, both in the assault at Chickasaw Bayou in December, 
1862, and also in the assaults on the intrenchments of Vicksburg, 
near the Graveyard Road, on the 19th and 22nd of May, 1863. 
Some of the soldiers of General Smith's old regiment, the 54th 
O. V. I. were present on this occasion. 



ADDRESS OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL 
CHARLES W. MINER. 

Comrades all who stood for your faith as you saw it, who 
put your lives in pawn for that faith, who on these hills forty 
odd years ago did your best for what you believed the right. 

The sun of the morning was in our faces then, your 
hearts beat high with hopes of youth, and faith in the cause 
we fought for. Today the echoes are silent, and roar of 
the mortar and crash of the musket are but memories, and 
now it is the evening light we see. The march of armed 
men, the waving flags and burst of music are all gone, 
gone are most that then stood shoulder to shoulder with 
us. We are stragglers who bring up the rear of those armed 
millions. We wait our call to join the departed host. At 
most, we are gathered here to give an account of our steward- 
ship, of what we and our sons have achieved in these long 
years; for blood and treasure spent. Our heads are not 
bowed in sorrow for the past, but with forms erect and glad 
eyes we point to a country, today beyond compare in riches 
and in strength, to a flag that floats for peace and happiness 
half around this world. The shadows of these intervening 
years have taught us charity — charity to believe that those who 
stood against and those who stood with us were as one in no- 
bleness of faith and creed. With hope for the future and the 
unfaltering trust that to hearts as strong and younger hand 
than ours, together with God's help, we can safely yield the 
preservation of our country and our flag. 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 367 



ADDRESS BY COLONEL W. L. CURRY, STATE 
COMMISSIONER SOLDIERS' CLAIMS. 

Mr. Chairman and Fellow Citizens: — 

As the veterans of the Blue and Gray meet on this historic 
ground after almost half a century of time has elapsed, what 
memories of the eventful days from '61 to '65 come trooping 
thick and fast. We go back in memory to camp and field, — 
the "many weary days we marched and the many frosty 
nights we watched"; or sitting around our camp fires, we hear 
the rattle of drums, the blare of trumpets or the strains of 
martial music. The "Star Spangled Banner" from one camp 
answered back by "Dixie" or the "Bonnie Blue Flag" from 
the other. Again we hear " Taps " and at dawn the " Reveille " 
and the preparation for battle with all the pageantry of glorious 
war. The serried columns of blue and gray forming their 
battle lines, eager for the fray. 

We see the serious face of the commanders — the dashing 
here and there of staff" officers carrying orders; we hear the 
quick, sharp command; we see the artillery with horses under 
the spur, galloping into position on the knolls and the cavalry 
with clanking sabers forming on the flanks. Then the oppress- 
ive lull and silence; the ambulances pulling into the woods to 
right and left; the preparation of the surgeons, all suggestive of 
mangled bodies and limbs soon to be brought from the battle 
lines on the litters. The sharp bang of the first shots on the 
skirmish line; the thunder of cannon and crash of shot and 
shell. All these scenes pass before us as vividly as if they 
had been enacted but yesterday. 

What great changes have taken place since that memora- 
ble time. The forts are ruined and the grass grows where 
once black and grim mouthed cannon crashed from every 
trench and battlement. The corn and cotton grows along the 
rivers and the valleys where once American met American on 
these fields of conflict. Blooming flowers wave along the 
ravines and streams where forty-two years ago, death and 
destruction flamed from guns and flags waved defiantly as the 
brave men upon these battlefields, swayed back and forth in 



368 Ohio at Vicksburg 

the great struggle. The tinkle of bells from the lowing herds 
come from meadow and wood and the sod is turned by the 
workman that once ran red with the blood of the Blue and the 
Gray, as they went down to death along the grim intrenchments. 
But now the hills and mountains are silent. No cannon 
belches forth their deadly missiles of shot and shell from the 
battle lines; the birds sing among the branches of the trees and 
the children play where once the ground trembled under the 
marching feet of legions 'mid the thunder of artillery and 
charging horsemen. 

The marts of trade are teeming with boats along the many 
rivers of the Southland and the iron horse speeds across the 
valleys and plains, freighted with the rich products of the land 
where once they carried the munitions of war and men of the 
north and south armed and equipped for the bloody work 
of war. 

The soft southern sky spreads a veil of beauty over the 
sacred ground, where these heroes met in deadly conflict and 
now sleep where they fell. Happy homes 'mid waving fields 
of grain dot hill and dale, where with heroic valor these Ameri- 
cans met and fought to the finish. The historic fields of 
Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Stone River, Shiloh, Antietam, Chick- 
amauga and the battle grounds of Virginia, no longer resound 
to the shock of battle, but the iron furnaces light up the forests 
and the wheels of humming factories are heard with the 
evidences of peace and prosperity in the New South, with no 
sectional line to mark the division. 

The reveille and long roll beats no more; the bugle call 
"to horse" is hushed; the bristling forts are razed and the soil 
once damped by the blood of heroes, now yields fruit and 
grain to the husbandman. 

The tramp of the watchful pickets is no longer heard 
and the sentinel has left his post. 

The guns are stacked and the swords are rusting in their 
scabbards. The battle flags no longer lead the legions to 
battle; the faded uniforms are folded away with a benediction 
and the men that fell in that sanguinary conflict, sleep peace- 
fully on every battlefield in their "green tents, whose doors 
never outward swing." 

Today we meet on the broad lead of citizenship, men of 
the North and South. We come "not with the roll of the 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 369 

rattling drum and the trumpet that sings of fame." We 
come on a mission of peace to erect and dedicate monuments 
in memory of the heroic deeds of our comrades who fought 
and many of whom fell on this battlefield. We welcome 
to this service the men who wore the gray, for never braver 
men battled on this continent, and you were soldiers worthy 
of our steel. Your comrades sleep on this field, side 
by side with our comrades who wore the blue. Their 
graves dot every valley, mountain and river side that marks the 
battlefields of the war. The same stars shine and the same 
Heaven blends over them. They sleep under the same flag 
awaiting the reveille that shall awake them on the resurrection 
morn. My fellow citizens, if we could with prophetic eye 
look into the future, we could see the old Guard of the Revolu- 
tion, whose blood pulses in the veins of many of us, crossing 
sw^ords with the heroes of all our wars and all keeping watch 
over the country that their valor created and faithful to the 
trust handed down by the heroes of '76. A glorious future 
is dawning for our whole country, which is now cemented 
more firmly by a foreign war in which our sons of the North and 
South fought side by side for the same flag. We are one 
people, and we hope the day may soon come, when sectional 
strife shall be hushed forever. It is our duty as ex-soldiers of 
both the Blue and the Gray to teach the "gospel of peace and 
good will to men." 

The flag that waves over us today "carries all the glory 
of the present and all the hope and promise of the future." 

Then let us as fellow citizens, having the same destiny, 
salute the flag of our country; the flag of our fathers and our 
flag forever. 

So, comrades, to-night gather closer together. 

The Legions still live in the light of the past; 
No matter the years and no matter the weather. 

As soldiers and comrades we're still standing fast; 
And, if from the years that stretch dimly behind us. 

Comes the flash of the swords that we drew in our day. 
We smile, for the vision appears to remind us 

Of the youth that we spent in the battle's red fray. 



3/0 Ohio at Vicksburg 

At t\]e conclusion of the program the audience returned 
to the city, only reaching there a very few minutes before 
another downpour of rain came on. 

No greater disappointment befell the Ohio excursionists 
on their entire trip than in being compelled, because of the 
inclemency of the weather, to return to the city at the conclusion 
of the dedicatory exercises, thereby being deprived the pleasure 
of spending the afternoon in the Park, and enjoying the Barbe- 
cue prepared by "Camp Number 32" United Confederate 
Veterans of Vicksburg, in honor of the Ohio visitors. 

CAMP-FIRE. 

Promptly at 7.30 p. m. the joint camp-fire of the Blue and 
the Gray was called to order by the chairman inviting the Rev. 
Dr. H. F. Sproles to open with a prayer, to which the reverend 
gentleman responded fervently. 

Governor J. K. Vardaman, of Mississippi, was the first 
speaker, and occupied the floor for a few minutes, delivering 
a very flowery address. He was followed by Governor Her- 
rick of Ohio, who spoke with much earnestness and fervor for 
some time. After Governor Herrick had concluded his address, 
other speeches followed by Judge Reber, of Natchez; Col. 
Koch of Illinois; Hon. T. C. Catchings, Gen. Stephen D. Lee, 
Colonel J. H. Jones, Capt. W. T. Ratliff", Capt. R. E. Walne, 
Col. D. A. Campbell, Col. James Kilbourne, Capt. E. Z. 
Hays, Hon. Walter George Smith and others. The last- 
named speaker was perhaps one of the most interested visitors 
to the Park. Being the eldest son of Gen. T. Kilby Smith, 
who commanded a brigade in the 15th Army Corps during the 
siege of Vicksburg, he was exceedingly anxious to learn all the 
history of the campaign and siege that he could possibly obtain 
during his visit to the historic city. Although being too young 
to take part in the strife of 1861 and 1865, he was anxious 
to learn just the positions others occupied on the line, espe- 
cially the brigade his father had the honor of commanding. 

The camp-fire was a great success, and the credit for the 
same is due almost entirely to the untiring efforts of Capt. R. E. 
Walne, Adjutant of Camp Number 32, United Confederate 
Veterans, and Col. D. A. Campbell. The program of dedica- 
tion of Ohio monuments was concluded with the close of the 



Dedication of Ohio Monuments and Markers 371 

camp-fire, and early next morningthe Ohio visitors began to wend 
their way to different points; some back to Ohio, and others to 
the different battlefields of the campaign. 

The generous hospitality and good feeling shown the Ohio 
visitors by the good citizens of Vicksburg will long be cherished 
as one of the pleasant events of our lives; and voicing the 
sentiments of all Ohioans on the trip to Vicksburg, the Com- 
mission wish here to express their great appreciation, and to 
thank the good citizens of Vicksburg for each and every 
courtesy extended while visitors in their city. 



Index 



373 



INDEX 



PAGE 

The advantage to the Union arms having control of Vicksbui^ 3 

The fall and winter campaign of 1862 and 1863 4 

Clrant and Sherman's Conference at Oxford, Miss., Dec. S 4 

Surrender of Holly Springs 5 

Sherman's Advance from Memphis against Vicksburg 6 

Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, December 29, 1862 6 

Surrender of Arkansas Post, January 11, 1863 7 

(General Grant assumes direct command, and reorganizes his army 7 

Rendezvous of the army 7 

Canal schemes 8 

Running the blockade past the river batteries . , 9 

Calls for volunteers from Army of Tennessee to man the boats 10 

Marches his army down the west side of the river to Grand Gulf 10 

Attempt to capture Grand Gulf 11 

Continues the march to De Shroon's Landing 11 

Crosses the river and lands at Bnainsburg, Miss. , April 30 11 

Battle of Port Gibson, May 1 12 

Battle of Raymond, May 12 14 

Battle of Jackson, May 14 16 

Grant puts his army in motion, marching west towards Vicksburg 17 

Battle of Champion's Hill, May 16 19 

Battle of Black River Bridge, May 17 22 

Army crosses Black River and invests Vicksburg 23 

Assault against Vicksburg defenses, May 19 24 

Assault against Vicksburg defenses, May 22 24 

Reinforcements 25 

Sherman assigned command of exterior line 26 

Explosion of stockade Redan by Logan's Division in front of White House, 

Jackson road 26 

Letter from Confederate privates to General Pemberton 27 

Conference between Grant and Pemberton on terms of surrender 28 

The surrender 28 

General Summary of Casualties, March 29 to July 4, 1863 29 

Historical records of Ohio regiments and batteries 34 

16th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantrj' 35 

20th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 40 

22d regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 49 

30th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 54 

32d regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 60 

37th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantrj' 71 

42d regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 82 

46th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 89 

47th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 96 

48th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 105 

o3d regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 107 

54th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantn^' 114 

56th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantn,^ 118 

57th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantr\' 134 



374 Indkx 



I'AGE 

58th regiment Ohio Vohmteer Infant rj- 144 

6Sth regiment Ohio Volunteer Infuntry 149 

70th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 157 

72d regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantiy 162 

7Hth regiment Oliio ^'olunteer Infantry- 170 

78th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 176 

80th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 197 

83d regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 202 

95th regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 210 

9Gth regiment Ohio \'olunteer Infantry 229 

1 14th regiment Ohio \'olunteer Infantry 236 

] 20th regiment (Jhio \'olunteer Infantry 240 

2d Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 247 

3d Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 249 

4th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 253 

5th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 258 

7th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 265 

8th Ohio Independ(nit Battery Light Artillery 268 

] Oth Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 270 

1 1th Ohio Indepi iitlent Battery Light Artillery 275 

15th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 280 

16th Ohio Independent Jiattery Light Artillery 286" 

]7th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 290 

26th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery 292 

4th Ohio Independent Company of Cavalry 295 

Vicksburg National Military Park, description of 298 

The law under whieh the Ohio Vicksburg Commission was ap])ointed 302 

Preliminary work of Commission and locating positions 303 

Supplementary act. Appropriating $56,000 for monuments 307 

Contract for monuments (39) 310 

Notice to regimental and battery organizations in selection of design 317 

Dedication of monuments 319 

Elk's banquet in honor of Gov. Herrick and Ohio visitors 321 

Ohioans on the Park Sunday, May 21 321 

Dedication ceremonies 322 

Program of dedication of Ohio monuments 323 

Invocation, Reverend Howard Henderson, D. D 324 

Peport of the secretary, Sergeant W. P. Gault 326 

Presentation of monuments to Gov. Herrick by President J. B. Allen 331 

Acceptance of same, and address, Gov. Myron T. Herrick 334 

Acceptance of memorials on behalf of War Department, Capt. W. T. Rigby . 341 

Address by Col. W. R. Warnock 341 

Address by Capt. K. Z. Hays. 351 

Address by Col. James Kilbourne 358 

Address by Major I). Cunningham 362 

Address by Hon. Walter George Smith 364 

Address by Gen. Charles W. Miner 366 

Address by Col. William T. Curry 367 

Campfire : 370 



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